心智观察所：独家对话|朱融融：脊髓损伤修复，让我深感科技造福人类的力量

Core Insights - The article highlights a breakthrough in spinal cord injury treatment through the development of an injectable neural system biomaterial scaffold by Dr. Zhu Rongrong and her team, which offers hope to millions of patients worldwide [1][3]. Group 1: Technology Overview - The injectable biomaterial promotes nerve regeneration and induces directional axon growth, effectively creating a neural relay station to reconnect severed spinal cord pathways [3][5]. - The material has shown significant efficacy in animal trials, particularly in improving locomotion in rodents and non-human primates [6][7]. Group 2: Clinical Implications - Annually, there are approximately 80,000 to 100,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries in China, with over 3 million patients currently affected, of which 82.5% suffer from substantial spinal cord damage without effective treatment options [7][8]. - The traditional treatment methods involve surgical debridement, which often lacks suitable materials for spinal cord repair, highlighting the need for innovative solutions like the developed biomaterial [7][8]. Group 3: Research Journey - Dr. Zhu's shift to spinal cord injury research began in 2016, focusing on utilizing biomaterials for nerve regeneration, which involves a complex interplay of material design and understanding the pathological microenvironment [4][5]. - The research team faced challenges in translating efficacy from rodent models to non-human primates, with initial trials showing no improvement until a significant breakthrough was observed after four months [6][7]. Group 4: Patient Impact - The quality of life for spinal cord injury patients is severely compromised, with many unable to perform basic tasks, emphasizing the potential transformative impact of the new biomaterial if successful in clinical applications [9][10]. - The ultimate goal of the research is to enable patients to regain mobility and independence, significantly improving their overall well-being [10].