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Preparation and Characterization of Graphene-Based 3D Biohybrid Hydrogel Bioink for Peripheral Neuroengineering
Published on: May 16, 2022
Graphdiyne-loaded polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold for peripheral nerve regeneration
Xiao Li1, Ning He2, Xiaojing Li3
1College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 201306 Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200233 Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai, China.
Graphdiyne (GDY) loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds enhance peripheral nerve regeneration by improving Schwann cell function and promoting axonal growth. This study confirms GDY
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Graphdiyne (GDY) is a graphene-family nanomaterial with promising properties but lacks established biosafety for tissue regeneration.
- Existing research has not explored GDY as an electroactive scaffold for peripheral nerve repair due to unclear safety profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of a novel conductive Graphdiyne (GDY)/polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of GDY-based nerve guide conduits (NGCs) in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D GDY/PCL nerve guide conduits using electrospinning.
- In vitro assessment of Schwann cell proliferation, adhesion, and glial marker expression.
- In vivo implantation of GDY/PCL NGCs into a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect model for 3 months.
- Histological and molecular analysis of nerve regeneration, myelination, axonal growth, and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Conductive 3D GDY/PCL NGCs significantly enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, adhesion, and glial expression in vitro.
- In vivo studies showed negligible organ toxicity. GDY/PCL NGCs promoted significant myelination and axonal regeneration, evidenced by upregulated S100β, MBP, Tuj1, and NF200.
- Increased vascular factor expression in the GDY/PCL group suggests enhanced angiogenesis, contributing to nerve repair.
Conclusions:
- The GDY/PCL scaffold demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration.
- GDY nanomaterials hold significant potential for developing effective nerve regeneration scaffolds for preclinical applications.
