Tel Aviv University advances artificial spinal cord implant development

Researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine are advancing the development of the world’s first artificial spinal cord implant. In collaboration with the biotechnology company Matricelf and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, the project aims to restore mobility, such as standing and walking, to patients with spinal cord injuries.

The technology utilizes organ engineering to create personalized neural implants. The process involves collecting blood samples from eligible patients to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, which serve as the cellular component for an autologous neural implant tailored to the individual.