Firm foundations

Researchers are making efforts to use nanomaterials for the re-generation of damaged nerves in the spinal cord injury. Engineers of Monash University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Toronto, and the Mental Health Research Institute together demonstrated that cellular scaffolds can accelerate the nerve regeneration. Scaffolds are 3-dimensional engineered structures that can promote the cell growth in the human body. The guidance scaffolds are made of nanoscale polymer fibers of 100-2000 nm in diameter and can be used for post-SCI (spinal cord injury) nerve regeneration. The Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia also approved the use of these materials for humans because of their biodegradability and non-toxicity. Engineered scaffolds provide controlled nerves regeneration and integration with the neuronal circuitry.