In Situ Prevascularization Strategy with Three-Dimensional Porous Conduits for Neural Tissue Engineering
Junjie Shen1,2, Jiayan Wang3,4, Xuanzhe Liu1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Yishan Road 600, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
This study introduces a 3D porous nerve guidance conduit (NGC) strategy that promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) for enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration. Prevascularized NGCs achieved functional recovery comparable to autografts in rats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neovascularization is vital for peripheral nerve regeneration, yet prior strategies prioritized axonal repair over vascularization.
- Optimizing nerve guidance conduit (NGC) porosity is key for neovascularization and nerve growth.
- Developing effective NGCs is crucial for functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a 3D porous nerve guidance conduit (NGC) prevascularization strategy for angiogenesis-mediated neural regeneration.
- To investigate the potential of hollow silk fibroin/poly(l-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) NGCs in promoting nerve repair.
- To assess the efficacy of prevascularized 3D porous NGCs in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hollow silk fibroin/poly(l-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) NGCs with 3D sponge-like walls using electrospinning and freeze-drying.
- In vitro assessment of NGC biocompatibility, neuroregeneration potential, and angiogenic activity.
- In vivo transplantation of prevascularized 3D porous NGCs into a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies confirmed the 3D porous NGCs' biocompatibility, neuroregenerative potential, and angiogenic activity, potentially linked to HIF-1α signaling.
- In vivo results demonstrated that prevascularized 3D porous NGCs significantly enhanced intraneural angiogenesis and neurogenesis.
- Functional assessment at eight weeks showed prevascularized 3D NGCs performed comparably to autografts in restoring anatomical structure, morphology, and neural function.
Conclusions:
- A 3D-pore conduit structure combined with prevascularization effectively promotes functional peripheral nerve regeneration.
- This strategy offers a promising alternative for achieving functional recovery following peripheral nerve trauma.
- The developed prevascularized 3D porous NGCs represent a significant advancement in nerve repair technologies.
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