Spinalion

Spinalion is a fictional biomaterial referenced in science fiction literature and media as a spinal repair and neural interfacing material. In these narratives, Spinalion is described as a flexible, biocompatible composite that can be shaped into implants or scaffolds to support nerve regeneration and to form stable interfaces with the spinal cord.

It is typically depicted as a nano-structured ceramic–polymer composite with tunable stiffness, high fracture toughness, and anisotropic electrical conductivity. Its surface is bioactive, promoting axonal growth and glial compatibility. The material is often described as radiolucent and MRI-compatible, with a porosity that encourages vascularization and tissue integration.

In fiction, Spinalion is produced in controlled laboratories through molecular layer deposition and nano-engineering, enabling patient-specific stiffness, porosity, and surface chemistry. It is sometimes depicted as self-healing or capable of releasing growth factors.

The primary uses are spinal implants for stabilization, nerve regeneration guides, and neural interfaces for prosthetic control. In some stories, Spinalion devices can record neural signals without causing irritation or scarring.

The term first appears in a fictional source, and has since been adopted by multiple authors and games, becoming a shorthand for advanced spinal biomaterials in speculative medicine.

Spinalion does not exist as a clinically approved material. There are real biomaterials for spinal implants (e.g., titanium alloys, PEEK, hydroxyapatite), but Spinalion remains a fictional concept.

See also: biomaterials, neural implants, spinal cord injury, tissue engineering.