A traumatic cerebral lesion (TBI) remains one of the main causes of disability in the world. Recent research has developed a new electrofile scaffold charged with copper oxide (CUO @ PG), which aims to restore copper homeostasis and modulate inflammation in TBI. The study shows that Cuo @ PG scaffolding considerably reduce neuronal pyroptosis (a form of programmed cell death), attenuates the swelling of the brain and improves motor and cognitive functions in animal models. These results provide a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate the neurodegenerative effects of TBI.
Traumatic cerebral lesion (TBI) is a major public health problem with complex pathophysiology which often causes long -term neurological deficits. One of the key processes contributing to damage induced by TBI is pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death. Copper, an essential metal in the body, plays an important role in antioxidant defense and the regulation of inflammation. The disturbances of copper homeostasis in the brain after the TBI exacerbate neural lesions, making copper balance a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Given these challenges, a deeper understanding and new treatment strategies are essential to improve TBI results.
This study (DOI: 10.1093 / Burnst / Tkaf030), published in 2025 by researchers from the University of Soochow, notes these challenges by introducing Nanofibers of electrofibers electrofiles loaded with copper oxide (CUO @ PG) for targeted copper delivery. Published in Burns and traumaResearch explores how these scaffolding can restore the balance of copper in the brain and modulate post-TBI inflammation. The results provide new information on the therapeutic neuroprotection strategies after a brain injury.
The CUO @ PG scaffolding were designed to provide controlled release at low dose of copper ions directly to the wounded brain fabric. Using electrofilage technology, the scaffolding was built with polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin, which are both biocompatible and biodegradable. In animal models, these scaffolding were implanted at different times after a light TBI. The researchers found that the Cuo @ PG scaffolding at 0.5%, when applied 6 hours after the injury, has most effectively reduced proteins related to pyroptosis such as NLRP3, GSDMD and Cappase-1. This scaffolding has also improved the repair of cerebral tissues, reduces neurodegeneration (as shown in Nissl coloring), and significantly improved recovery from motor and cognitive functions through behavioral tests such as Morris water labyrinth and the wired flu test. These results underline the potential of CUO @ PG scaffolding in the treatment of TBI in restaurants in copper homeostasis and by reducing neuroinflammation.
Copper plays a central role in brain function, and this study provides convincing evidence that the scaffolding loaded with copper oxide can reduce the neurodegenerative effects of traumatic brain lesions. Our approach offers a targeted solution to the complex problems of copper imbalance after the injury, with the potential to improve the quality of life of people with TBI. “”
Dr. Yumei and, Author Principal
This innovative scaffolding technology not only provides a new approach to TBI management, but also opens up possibilities for the use of copper therapies in other neurodegenerative conditions. By allowing copper delivery to low local dose, Cuo @ PG scaffolding minimize systemic side effects and offer a more controlled therapeutic environment. Future studies should further refine optimal doses and the moment of setting up the scaffolding in order to maximize neuroprotective effects and improve recovery results for TBI patients.
