Bibliometric Analysis of Nanomaterials for Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis, conducted on 735 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database up to April 16, 2025, sheds light on the evolving landscape of nanomaterials in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. Utilizing tools such as Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace, the study reveals a significant and exponential growth in literature within this field since 2020, marked by an impressive average annual increase of 13.16%. China has emerged as the global leader in research output, contributing 347 articles, with the United States closely following. Prominent institutions such as Jinzhou Medical University and Zhejiang University have played pivotal roles in advancing this domain. The research has predominantly centered around critical areas including nanoparticles, drug delivery systems, strategies for neural regeneration, and the modulation of inflammation. A notable shift in research focus has been observed in recent years, with keyword trends evolving from foundational cellular investigations toward more applied aspects such as regenerative medicine, the construction of supportive scaffolds, and crucial steps toward clinical translation. This highlights the inherent multidisciplinary potential of nanomaterials in addressing the complex challenges of SCI repair. Despite China’s dominant publication volume, the analysis underscores a critical need to deepen fundamental research and foster stronger international collaborations. Looking ahead, future research endeavors should strategically prioritize the development of intelligent nanocarriers, cultivate robust interdisciplinary translational research initiatives, and establish standardized preclinical validation protocols. These targeted efforts are essential to accelerate the crucial transition of promising laboratory findings into effective clinical applications for patients suffering from SCIs.

Impact Statement

This bibliometric study analyzes nanomaterial applications in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, revealing China’s leading role and key research areas such as nanoparticles and drug delivery. It offers a panoramic view for researchers, highlighting frontier directions, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and accelerating clinical translation, thereby significantly contributing to SCI repair advancements.