Multifunctional chitin-based hollow nerve conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration and neuroma inhibition

The recoverability for peripheral nerve lesions with a long segment defect is much challenging. Conventional methods for sciatic nerve repair excepted for autografts are bridged with nerve guidance conduit (NGC). Herein, the chitin-based NGC (ChT NGC) is firstly reported by facile dissolution, molding and regeneration process, performed excellent nerve regeneration and neuroma inhibition after deposited with anti-inflammatory polydopamine (ChT-PDA NGC). In 10 mm sciatic nerve defect rat model, the restorative effects of ChT-PDA NGC groups are similar to autografts. That is mainly ascribed to the high activity of Schwann cells and claimed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Interestingly, ChT-PDA NGC presents outstanding neuroma inhibition during the nerve regeneration as for the anti-inflammatory activity of PDA. This work provides a facile and novel approach to prepare hollow chitin hydrogel tube, which presents well nerve regeneration and neuroma inhibition, improving the potential high-value application of chitin in biomedical fields.