Composite Hydrogel Conduit Incorporated with Platelet-Rich Plasma Improved the Regenerative Microenvironment for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve regeneration is challenging, with nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offering potential by regulating the microenvironment.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors crucial for regeneration, but rapid release limits its therapeutic efficacy.
• Existing PRP delivery methods suffer from burst release, reducing in vivo efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a composite nerve conduit incorporating PRP into a GelMA/SA hydrogel for sustained growth factor release.
• To evaluate the biological performance and efficacy of the developed GelMA/SA-PRP composite NGCs for peripheral nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite hydrogel nerve conduit using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), sodium alginate (SA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
• Characterization of mechanical properties, degradation rate, and in vitro biological performance (Schwann cell migration, endothelial cell neovascularization).
• Assessment of in vivo efficacy in a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model, evaluating axonal regeneration and functional recovery.

Main Results:

• The GelMA/SA-3/PRP-20 NGC demonstrated optimal mechanical properties and degradation rates.
• Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was achieved.
• Significant promotion of Schwann cell migration and endothelial cell neovascularization in vitro was observed.
• In vivo studies showed enhanced axonal regeneration and functional recovery in rat sciatic nerve defects.

Conclusions:

• The developed GelMA/SA-PRP-20 NGC effectively regulates the regenerative microenvironment through sustained growth factor release.
• This composite NGC shows significant potential for improving clinical outcomes in peripheral nerve repair.
• The study highlights a promising strategy for the enhanced clinical application of PRP in nerve regeneration.