RCSI Develops Groundbreaking 3D Printed Implant for Spinal Cord Repair

A research team at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences has made significant strides in spinal cord injury treatment by developing a groundbreaking 3D printed implant designed to deliver electrical stimulation to damaged areas of the spinal cord. This innovative technology offers a promising new approach to nerve damage repair, a condition affecting over 2,300 individuals in Ireland alone, where current treatment options remain ineffective.

The details of this pioneering implant were published in a recent study in the journal *Advanced Science* on July 15, 2025. Spinal cord injuries can lead to severe consequences, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain. Traditional therapeutic methods have struggled to promote neuron regrowth post-injury. However, the RCSI research team, led by Professor Fergal O'Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Professor of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine, is developing electrically conductive biomaterials aimed at channeling electrical stimulation across spinal injuries to facilitate the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Professor O'Brien emphasized the collaborative environment fostered by the AMBER Centre, where biomedical engineers, biologists, and material scientists work together to tackle significant societal challenges. This collaborative approach has been crucial in driving innovation in regenerative medicine.

The research utilized ultra-thin nanomaterials developed by Professor Valeria Nicolosi's laboratory at Trinity College Dublin. These materials, traditionally used in battery applications, were integrated into a soft, gel-like structure through advanced 3D printing techniques. The resulting implant mimics the human spinal cord structure, featuring a fine network of fibers capable of conducting electrical signals to promote neuronal growth. Early laboratory tests indicated that the implant effectively delivers electrical signals to both neurons and stem cells, enhancing their proliferation and growth potential. Furthermore, modifying the fiber layout within the implant was found to significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Dr. Ian Woods, a Research Fellow at RCSI and the study's first author, highlighted the potential of this technology to revolutionize treatments not only for spinal cord injuries but also for cardiac, orthopedic, and neurological conditions where electrical signaling plays a crucial role in healing. The collaborative effort also included input from the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust (IRFU-CT), bringing together an advisory panel composed of injured rugby players, clinicians, neuroscientists, and researchers. This panel provided valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injuries and their treatment priorities.

The study's funding came from multiple sources, including the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust, AMBER, and the Irish Research Council through a Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship. The implications of this research extend beyond individual treatment; they signify a potential shift in the paradigm for managing spinal cord injuries and related conditions.

As the research progresses, the team anticipates further developments that could lead to the commercialization of this 3D printed implant, potentially making it a standard treatment option in clinical settings. This innovation could enhance the quality of life for countless individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries, marking a significant milestone in the field of regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering.