Bioactive Nanofiber-Based Conduits in a Peripheral Nerve Gap Management-An Animal Model Study
Tomasz Dębski1, Ewa Kijeńska-Gawrońska2,3, Aleksandra Zołocińska1
1Department of Regenerative Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Wawelska 15B, 02-034 Warsaw, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 2, 2021
Summary
This study evaluated a poly(L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ϵ-caprolactone), collagen, and polyaniline nerve conduit, with and without adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), in rats. The conduit effectively bridged nerve gaps, preventing muscle atrophy, with ASCs showing promising results.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries often result in significant functional deficits.
- Autografts, the current gold standard, have limitations such as donor site morbidity and limited availability.
- Innovative nerve conduits are needed to bridge nerve gaps and promote regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a novel electrospun nerve conduit composed of poly(L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ϵ-caprolactone), collagen (COL), and polyaniline (PANI).
- To investigate the impact of enriching the conduit with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on sciatic nerve regeneration in a rat model.
- To compare the performance of the P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit with and without ASCs against autografts and an empty gap control.
Main Methods:
- A tubular nerve conduit was fabricated using electrospinning of P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI composite material.
- Sciatic nerve defects were created in Lewis rats and treated with either an empty gap, autograft, P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit, or ASC-enriched P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit.
- Functional and histological assessments, including muscle weight, histology, and nerve fiber counting, were performed after 6 months.
Main Results:
- All intervention groups (autograft, conduit, ASC-enriched conduit) significantly prevented gastrocnemius muscle atrophy compared to the empty gap control (p < 0.0001).
- The P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduits demonstrated superior nerve fiber density compared to autografts (p < 0.001 for conduit alone, p < 0.0001 for ASC-enriched conduit).
- While ASC enrichment showed a trend towards improved outcomes, it was less effective than the autograft in preventing muscle mass decrease (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI nerve conduit is an effective biomaterial for bridging sciatic nerve defects in rats.
- Enrichment with ASCs shows promise in enhancing nerve regeneration and mitigating muscle atrophy.
- This composite conduit represents a viable alternative for peripheral nerve repair, potentially reducing reliance on autografts.
