An injectable high-conductive bimaterial scaffold for neural stimulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve repair faces challenges due to limited axonal regeneration and autograft limitations.
• Nerve guidance conduits offer a promising alternative for bridging large nerve injury gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, conductive tissue engineering scaffold to support nerve cell growth and promote neural differentiation.
• To investigate the efficacy of a gold-coated PCL scaffold in enhancing nerve regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an ultra-flexible, conductive scaffold using melt electrowriting (MEW) of PCL and gold sputter coating.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, conductivity, and biocompatibility of the Au-PCL scaffold.
• Assessment of neural differentiation and neurite outgrowth with and without electrical stimulation (ES).

Main Results:

• The Au-PCL scaffold demonstrated excellent flexibility, recoverability, and high conductivity.
• Electrical stimulation via the conductive interface significantly enhanced neural differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
• Neurite length increased substantially in Au-PCL groups compared to PCL alone, with greater thickness of gold coating yielding improved results, especially under ES.

Conclusions:

• The developed Au-PCL bimaterial scaffold is a highly promising material for nerve repair.
• Its injectability, conductivity, and biocompatibility, coupled with its ability to promote neural stimulation, make it suitable for peripheral nerve regeneration.