Closed‑Loop Brain–Computer Interface and Vasculogenic Nanofiber Scaffolds: A Multimodal Approach for Motor Restoration and Management of Post‑Traumatic Depression in Patients with Complete Paraplegia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1097Keywords:
Spinal cord injury; Brain‑computer interface; Nanofibers; Neuroplasticity; Post‑traumatic depression; Regenerative medicineAbstract
Complete paraplegia (ASIA A spinal cord injury) leads to irreversible motor deficits and a high prevalence of post‑traumatic depression (PTD). The combination of closed‑loop brain‑computer interfaces (BCIs) and vasculogenic nanofiber scaffolds could enhance recovery. Objective: To assess, through a systematic review and an in silico computational model, the feasibility and potential clinical effects of a multimodal approach (non‑invasive BCI + VEGF‑functionalized nanofiber scaffold) to restore motor function and reduce PTD. A PRISMA 2020 systematic review was conducted (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science up to December 2025). In addition, a computational simulation of a poly(ε‑caprolactone) scaffold with a VEGF‑mimetic peptide (QK) and an EEG‑based BCI classifier was developed using parameters derived from literature published through 2025. Results: The review included 12 clinical studies (total N = 214 patients) that reported significant improvements in motor function with non‑invasive BCIs, with moderate effect sizes (SMD range: 0.45‑0.78). Predictive simulation indicated that combination with the scaffold could increase EEG classification accuracy by an additional 15‑20% (p<0.01) and reduce inflammatory biomarkers (IL‑6) by 40‑50% according to diffusion and release kinetics models. The systematized evidence and computational models support the potential benefit of the multimodal approach, although preclinical studies and clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. This work provides a theoretical foundation for future research.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dayana Amada Cedeño Romero , Luis Josué Ponce Zavala , Karol Dayana Rengifo Santistevan , Camila Elizabeth Salinas Ramírez , Velky Virginia Villavicencio Vallejo
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