The Power of Biomaterials in Neural Regeneration

Did you know that our bodies produce tiny molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) during normal oxygen metabolism? These molecules can act as messengers, influencing various processes in the body. However, when there are too many ROS, they can cause big problems, especially in the brain and nervous system. Excessive ROS can lead to the death of nerve cells and damage the nervous system, making it hard for the body to repair itself. Imagine if we could create materials that could soak up these extra ROS molecules and help repair the nervous system. That's where ROS-scavenging biomaterials come in! These special materials can absorb the excess ROS at the sites of injury and help control the harmful environment they create. This review dives into how ROS are made, why too much of them is bad for the nervous system, and why it's important to clear out the excess. We've grouped these ROS-scavenging biomaterials into three types based on how they get rid of ROS. These materials have been used to help with different kinds of nerve injuries, like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and damage to peripheral nerves. By understanding and developing these biomaterials, we can make a big difference in the field of neural regeneration.