Dataset for 3D Printed Scaffolds Promote Enhanced Spinal Organoid Formation for Use in Spinal Cord Injury

The transplantation of regionally specific spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) has shown promise for functional restoration after spinal cord injury (SCI) by forming connections with host neural circuits. Here, we developed 3D printed organoid scaffolds for transplantation using clinically relevant human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived regionally specific sNPCs. Scaffolds with microscale channels were printed, and sNPCs were subsequently printed within these channels. The scaffolds directed axonal projections along the channels and guided the cells to simulate in vivo-like conditions, leading to more effective cell maturation and the development of neuronal networks crucial for restoring function after SCI. The scaffolds, with organoids assembled along their lengths, were transplanted into the transected spinal cords of rats. This significantly promoted the functional recovery of the rats. At 12 weeks post-transplantation, the majority of the cells in the scaffolds differentiated into neurons and integrated into the host spinal cord tissue. These results demonstrated their potential to create a relay system along the spinal cord and form synapses in both the rostral and caudal directions relative to the scaffold. We envision that combining sNPCs, organoid assembly, 3D printing strategies can ultimately lead to a transformative treatment approach for SCI.