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

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injury presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Topographical and mechanical cues are crucial for effective nerve regeneration.
• Existing treatments often lack the necessary structural and mechanical support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an engineered nerve-guiding scaffold for peripheral nerve repair.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of topography and mechanical rigidity on nerve regeneration.
• To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the YAP pathway.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of anisotropic and isotropic polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun scaffolds.
• Modification of PLA scaffolds with collagen to enhance mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
• Evaluation of scaffold performance in a sciatic nerve injury model in vivo.
• Assessment of axonal regeneration and investigation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway.

Main Results:

• Anisotropic PLA scaffolds effectively mimicked native nerve structure, promoting axonal regeneration.
• Collagen-modified PLA scaffolds provided superior mechanical support and a conducive microenvironment.
• These modified scaffolds significantly enhanced nerve regeneration compared to isotropic scaffolds.
• Regulation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) molecular pathway was identified as a key mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Engineered collagen-modified anisotropic PLA electrospun scaffolds show significant potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.
• The combination of topographical guidance and mechanical rigidity is key to accelerating nerve repair.
• These scaffolds offer a promising biomaterial strategy for addressing unmet clinical needs in nerve reconstruction.