A new study published in Cell Biomaterials introduces a 3D-printed scaffold designed to deliver RNA therapeutics directly to injured spinal cord tissue.

The platform combines a DLP 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold with red-blood-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) loaded with therapeutic microRNAs.

The idea is simple but powerful: instead of relying on synthetic nanoparticles that may be poorly tolerated by neural tissue, the scaffold uses naturally derived extracellular vesicles to carry the RNA, while the 3D-printed structure keeps the therapeutic payload localized at the injury site.

This combination enables localized and sustained RNA delivery, addressing two major challenges in neural regeneration: getting RNA safely to the target tissue and keeping it there long enough to have an effect.

It is a promising example of how 3D bioprinting, extracellular vesicles, RNA therapeutics, and regenerative medicine can come together in a single delivery platform.

📄 Source: Cell Biomaterials, 2026

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