AI Breakthroughs: Paving the Way for Advanced Treatments in Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

A combination of AI and robotics shows promise in aiding recovery from spinal cord injuries. A team led by Rutgers University has successfully stabilized an enzyme, Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), capable of degrading scar tissue and promoting tissue regeneration. Previously, this enzyme lasted only a few hours at body temperature, but advancements now extend its efficacy to over a week, enhancing its potential impact.

The researchers utilized machine learning to identify synthetic copolymers—artificial polymers composed of multiple monomers—that would remain stable within the human body. Liquid-handling robotics were then employed to synthesize these copolymers and conduct testing. This marks one of the first instances where AI and robotics have collaborated to produce therapeutic proteins with significant effectiveness, according to Adam Gormley, assistant professor at Rutgers and lead investigator of the study.

While the stabilized enzyme is not yet a functional treatment for spinal cord injuries, the research underscores a promising pathway toward long-term tissue regeneration. This initiative demonstrates the advantages of leveraging AI in treatment development, as algorithms can uncover viable compositions that might be challenging or time-intensive for human researchers to identify.

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