Collagen Modified Anisotropic PLA Scaffold as a Base for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Reconstruction of damaged nerves remains a significant unmet challenge in clinical medicine. Topographical and mechanical stimulations play important roles to repair peripheral nerve injury. The synergistic effects of topography and mechanical rigidity may significantly accelerate nerve regeneration. In this work, a nerve-guiding collagen/polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun scaffold is developed to facilitate peripheral nerve repair. The obtained anisotropic PLA electrospun scaffolds simulate the directional arranged structure of nerve realistically and promote axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve injury when compared with the isotropic PLA electrospun scaffolds. Moreover, the collagen-modified PLA electrospun scaffolds further provide sufficient mechanical support and favorable microenvironment for axon regeneration. In addition, it is observed that collagen-modified PLA electrospun scaffolds facilitate the axon regeneration by regulating Yes-associated protein (YAP) molecular pathway. Taken together, the engineered collagen-modified anisotropic PLA electrospun scaffolds may be a potential candidate to combine topography and mechanical rigidity for peripheral nerve regeneration is engineered.