Brain-Derived Extracellular Matrix (B-ECM)-Based Aligned Electrospun Fibers for Sciatic Nerve Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neural Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Nerve injuries significantly impair patient quality-of-life.
• Artificial nerve guidance conduits (aNGCs) are crucial for nerve repair.
• Current aNGCs require optimization for enhanced efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel aNGCs leveraging both biophysical and biochemical cues.
• To fabricate core/shell aligned electrospun fibers for nerve regeneration.
• To integrate these fibers into tubular scaffolds for improved nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core/shell aligned electrospun fibers using polycaprolactone (PCL) and brain-derived extracellular matrix/gelatin (B-ECM/Gel).
• Integration of fibers into PCL/Gel tubular scaffolds to create aNGCs.
• In vitro assessment of cell behavior and in vivo evaluation in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.

Main Results:

• B-ECM retained key biochemical cues, promoting Schwann cell and PC12 cell migration and neurite outgrowth.
• PCL/Gel fibers facilitated nutrient transport, and scaffolds reduced inflammation.
• In vivo studies showed enhanced host cell infiltration and nerve regeneration in B-ECM containing aNGCs.

Conclusions:

• The developed B-ECM-based aligned fiber aNGCs effectively promote nerve regeneration.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for neural engineering applications.
• The findings have potential implications for broader bio-related fields.