OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in bFGF/PDGF composite hydrogel promoting the repair of spinal cord injuries. METHODS: In this study, the spinal cord injury rat model was established using Allens punch method. Healthy male Sprague Dawley rats of the clean grade were randomly divided into four groups (n=18, each): sham operation group (group S), bFGF/PDGF composite hydrogel group (group A), bFGF/PDGF composite hydrogel + LY294002 (PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor) group (group B) and bFGF/PDGF composite hydrogel + IGF-1 (PI3K/AKT signaling pathway agonist) group (group C). After the operation, the motor function of the posterior limbs, the apoptosis of the spinal cord cells and the expression of PI3K, Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in the spinal cord tissues of the rats in each group were detected. RESULTS: BBB joint score were significantly higher (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BFGF/PDGF composite hydrogel can significantly promote the repair of spinal cord injuries and the mechanism is closely correlated to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.