There’s now the possibility of new technology that can repair damaged spinal cords. Scientists at Rice University have developed a new spine repair system using graphene. The proof of concept was shown in a video published by Professor James Tour showing a paralyzed rat’s recovery using their graphene technology. The astonishing video has over 4.8 million views and counting.
In a recent interview Dr. Tour discusses the viral video stating, “We cut its spinal cord completely in two at the base of the neck, which is C5…and then we put one drop of a 1% solution of graphene nanoribbons in there.” He states, “What you do it bring the two ends of the spinal cords together…” The action of touching the two ends together causes a phenomenon called sheer flow, where long thin structures of the graphene nanoribbons will organize longitudinally with the spinal cord. The Neurons then grow from each side and eventually collide, resulting in the healing of the spinal cord.
Current methods of repairing spinal cords haven’t addressed the problem. Current surgical interventions primarily focus on decompressing the spinal cord to relieve pressure and stabilizing the spine to prevent further damage. Fusion surgery and implantation of hardware are common approaches to stabilize the spine and facilitate healing. While these methods can help prevent further damage, they often do not promote significant regeneration of damaged nerve tissue or functional recovery.
Emerging therapies such as stem cell transplantation, nerve grafting, and electrical stimulation are being investigated as potential treatments for SCI. These therapies aim to promote regeneration of damaged nerve tissue and restore function to the injured spinal cord.
Often in the case of surgical intervention and other invasive procedures they’re designed for a limited group of candidates who have either been recently injured or whose injury results in only partial severance of the spine.
In fact, most clinical studies in this area disqualify the chronically paralyzed, or those whose injury occurred within four years of the surgery. Those who are considered chronically paralyzed have scar tissue formation making it difficult for stem cells, for example, to do their job.
This graphene technology can be a massive breakthrough in medical science and represent a source of hope for millions suffering with quadriplegia and paralysis.
The spine technology is presented in a patent entitled, “Neuronal Scaffold-Water Soluble Graphene For Treatment of Severed Spinal Cords and Neuronal Repair” which outlines the methods that were used to achieve spinal cord regeneration.
The patent describes a technology involving the use of graphene-based materials for repairing severed spinal cords and other neuronal injuries. In this article we break down and summarize the patent’s key points.
Background
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are severe and costly, often resulting in little to no recovery for affected individuals. Current treatment options are limited, and many people with SCI experience chronic pain, disability, and depression. Scar tissue formation and post-traumatic complications further hinder recovery. Developing a scaffold that supports neural tissue regeneration and prevents scar formation is crucial.
The patent introduces a novel composition comprising functionalized graphene nanoribbons and a fusogen agent. These nanoribbons, modified with water-soluble addends along their edges, demonstrate promising potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries and other neuronal disorders. By combining the unique properties of graphene with the biocompatibility of water-soluble addends, this composition offers a scaffold that supports neural tissue regeneration while minimizing scar formation.
Key Features of the patent:
- Composition: The composition consists of functionalized graphene nanoribbons and a fusogen agent. These nanoribbons are specially modified at their edges with water-soluble addends, allowing for enhanced biocompatibility and solubility.
- Biomedical Potential of Graphene: Graphene, a two-dimensional sheet of sp2-hybridized graphitic carbon, possesses remarkable properties that make it ideal for biomedical applications. These properties include zero-gap semiconductor characteristics, high thermal conductivity, and a high surface area-to-volume ratio. Additionally, graphene’s chemical modifiability enables the functionalization of biotherapeutic molecules, further expanding its biomedical potential.
- Water Solubility: The functionalized graphene nanoribbons are designed to be water-soluble, ensuring compatibility with biological systems and facilitating their application in neuronal repairs.
- Electrical Conductivity: The electrical conductivity of the functionalized graphene nanoribbons is significant for their effectiveness. This conductivity promotes neural signaling and facilitates the integration of regenerated neural tissue.
- Fusogen Agent: The fusogen agent, often hydrophilic and including substances like polyethylene glycol (PEG), serves to enhance the dispersion and compatibility of the functionalized graphene nanoribbons within biological environments.
- Method of Use: The composition can be applied to the injured area, such as a severed spinal cord or contusion. For complete transections, the composition is applied to the ends of the spinal cord and held in contact, potentially with compression, to facilitate healing. For partial transections or contusions, the composition can be filled into the injured area to promote repair.
- Alignment and Stimulation: To optimize the effectiveness of the composition, methods such as alignment of the functionalized nanoribbons along the axis of the spinal cord and electrical stimulation may be employed to facilitate neuron growth and integration.
The composition is applied to the injured area, such as a severed spinal cord or contusion. For complete transections, the composition is applied to the ends of the spinal cord and held in contact, potentially with compression, to facilitate healing. For partial transections or contusions, the composition can be filled into the injured area to promote repair.
Revolutionary Aspects of the Patent’s Technology:
- Graphene-Based Neuronal Scaffold: The patent introduces a novel composition comprising functionalized graphene nanoribbons and a fusogen agent, specifically designed for neuronal repair. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on mechanical stabilization, the graphene-based scaffold offers a unique platform for promoting neural tissue regeneration and minimizing scar formation.
- Water Solubility and Biocompatibility: The functionalized graphene nanoribbons are water-soluble and biocompatible, making them suitable for use in biological environments. This water solubility ensures compatibility with biological systems and facilitates their application in spinal cord repairs and other neuronal injuries.
- Electrical Conductivity and Alignment: The electrical conductivity of the functionalized graphene nanoribbons is significant for their effectiveness, promoting neural signaling and facilitating the integration of regenerated neural tissue. Methods such as alignment of the nanoribbons along the axis of the spinal cord and electrical stimulation further optimize the effectiveness of the composition.
- Versatility and Potential Applications: The patent’s technology has broad applications beyond spinal cord repair, including neuronal repairs, brain tissue treatments, and potentially whole-body transplants. This versatility makes it a promising platform for addressing a wide range of neurological disorders and injuries.
Clinical trials will be underway to assess the safety and efficacy of this groundbreaking technology in humans. Initial results are promising, showing significant improvements in motor function and quality of life for participants with spinal cord injuries. Looking ahead, the future prospects of this technology are incredibly bright. Researchers anticipate further refinements to the treatment protocol, as well as the exploration of additional applications beyond spinal cord repair. With ongoing advancements in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, there’s hope that this innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders and injuries, offering renewed possibilities for those living with spinal cord injuries.
The technology represents a revolutionary approach to spinal cord repair and neuronal regeneration. By leveraging the unique properties of graphene and water-soluble addends, the composition offers a scaffold that promotes neural tissue regeneration while minimizing scar formation. Its water solubility, biocompatibility, and electrical conductivity make it a promising platform for advancing the field of spinal cord repair and improving outcomes for individuals with SCI and related conditions. While further research and development are needed to fully realize its potential, the patent’s technology holds great promise for revolutionizing the treatment of spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders.
