Breakthrough Ultra-Thin Implant Shows Promise in Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

In a groundbreaking study published on June 28, 2025, in Nature Communications, researchers from the University of Auckland and Chalmers University of Technology have developed an ultra-thin implant that delivers controlled electrical currents directly to injured spinal cords in rats. This innovative device mimics natural developmental signals to stimulate nerve healing, leading to significant improvements in movement and touch sensation over a 12-week period without causing inflammation or damage.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) disrupt communication between the brain and body, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. The spinal cord's limited regenerative capacity makes these injuries particularly challenging to treat. Traditional rehabilitation focuses on physical therapy to maximize remaining function, but these methods have limited efficacy in restoring lost motor and sensory abilities.

The implant developed by the research team is ultra-thin and sits directly on the spinal cord, precisely positioned over the injury site in rats. It delivers a carefully controlled electrical current across the injury site, aiming to stimulate healing and restore lost functions. After four weeks, treated rats showed improved movement compared to untreated ones. Throughout the 12-week study, they responded more quickly to gentle touch, indicating recovery of both movement and sensation. Importantly, the treatment did not cause inflammation or other damage to the spinal cord, demonstrating its safety.

Dr. Bruce Harland, Senior Research Fellow in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Auckland, emphasized the challenge of spinal cord regeneration and the potential of their device to stimulate healing. Professor Darren Svirskis, Director of the CatWalk Cure Programme at the University’s School of Pharmacy, highlighted the goal of transforming this technology into a medical device for human benefit. Professor Maria Asplund, affiliated with Chalmers University of Technology, noted the study as an exciting proof of concept for electric field treatment supporting recovery after spinal cord injury.

This study contributes to a growing body of research exploring electrical stimulation as a therapeutic strategy for SCIs. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used to activate paralyzed muscles, improving muscle strength and circulation. The Mayo Clinic notes that FES can enhance range of motion, muscle size and strength, and overall fitness in SCI patients.

Other advancements include non-invasive devices like the Arc-EX, developed by Onward Medical, which delivers electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, significantly enhancing hand and arm function in individuals with severe paralysis. In a clinical trial involving 65 participants, over 70% experienced notable improvements in arm strength and functionality within two months.

Additionally, researchers have demonstrated that spinal-cord stimulating implants can improve muscle function in people with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA). In a study involving three adults with SMA, the stimulation improved their muscle strength, fatigue, and walking abilities.

The development of effective treatments for SCIs holds profound societal implications. In the United States alone, over 250,000 individuals live with SCIs, facing challenges such as loss of independence, employment difficulties, and significant healthcare costs. Advancements like the implant developed by the University of Auckland and Chalmers University of Technology offer hope for improved quality of life and reduced societal burden.

The successful application of this ultra-thin implant in rats represents a significant step forward in SCI research. While further studies are necessary to determine its efficacy in humans, this development brings renewed hope to those affected by spinal cord injuries, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that restore lost functions and improve quality of life.