Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel-Loaded Collagen/Chitosan Composite Film Accelerated Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can cause significant functional impairment and disability.
• Nerve conduits offer a promising treatment strategy for PNI.
• Developing suitable biomaterials is crucial for effective nerve regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize COL/CS composite films for nerve tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of COL/CS films loaded with PRP gel for peripheral nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of COL/CS composite films with varying mass ratios (1:0, 1:1, 1:3) via physical doping.
• Physicochemical characterization of film properties (swelling, mechanical, degradation, hydrophilicity).
• In vitro assessment of cell proliferation (Schwann cells) and biocompatibility with PRP gel loading.
• In vivo evaluation using a rat sciatic nerve defect model to assess nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Main Results:

• COL/CS composite films exhibited desirable swelling, mechanical, degradation, and hydrophilic properties.
• Loading PRP gel onto COL/CS films enhanced biocompatibility and promoted Schwann cell proliferation.
• COL/CS composite films with PRP gel significantly promoted nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.

Conclusions:

• COL/CS composite films possess suitable properties for nerve tissue engineering applications.
• The combination of PRP gel with COL/CS composite films demonstrates significant potential for enhancing peripheral nerve repair.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for treating peripheral nerve injuries.