Three-dimensional scaffolds, methods for fabricating the same, and methods of treating a peripheral nerve or spinal cord injury
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can result in catastrophic loss of function. In the US, 450,000 people live with SCI. Ongoing neuroscience research focuses on ways to improve nervous tissue regeneration, including development of innovative biomaterials. Implantable scaffolds composed of aligned polymer fibers have shown considerable promise in directing regenerating axons in vitro and in vivo. Highly aligned polymer fibers are necessary for neural tissue engineering applications to ensure that axonal extension occurs efficiently through a regenerating environment.