Hierarchical gelatin-derived hydrogel film with reactive oxygen species scavenging properties for spinal cord injury repair

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complicated central nervous system disease that is difficult to recover due to poor topological cues and adverse microenvironment. Herein, we present a gelatin-derived hydrogel film with a hierarchical structure and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability for SCI treatment. The hierarchical structure of microscale grooves and nanoscale pores was realized by the combination of lithography and grooved colloidal crystal film templates. Due to the unique microstructure and excellent biocompatibility, the cells cultured on the hydrogel film showed good viability and orientation. Besides, the enzymes were modified on the hydrogel film for ROS elimination, and thus, the film displayed good capabilities in resisting oxidation and inflammation. When the hydrogel film was implanted in the SCI area, it could guide the oriented growth of newborn neurons by the hierarchical structure and scavenge the ROS to reduce the ROS damage and inflammation by the enzymes, which benefited the SCI repair and motor recovery. These results suggest the potential of hierarchical gelatin-derived hydrogel film with ROS scavenging properties as an innovative biomaterial to facilitate SCI repair and enhance motor recovery.