Central neurons have limited regenerative capacity, inhibited by intrinsic mechanisms and the formation of glial scar. Since recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is directly correlated to degree of regeneration, current research aims to promote axon growth, but only a fraction of damaged neurons is recruited, with very short elongations. Moreover, axotomy causes depolarisation of local mitochondria and impacts its neuronal distribution, resulting in a localised energy crisis.

Successful novel SCI therapies must act directly on neurons, promote regeneration and energy homeostasis, counteract glial scar, and create a proregenerative environment. A novel approach promotes directed axon regeneration through release of chemoattractive drug-loaded nanoparticles, inhibiting glial scar formation, activating neuronal regeneration mechanisms, and rescuing the energy deficit.

This project aims for a rapid translation into pre-clinical trials for different lesion types, and can additionally be tailored for specific content and time- or location-dependent releases.