Optimally Aligned Nerve Scaffolds with Sustained Astaxanthin Release Improve the Inflammatory Microenvironment...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) repair is hindered by scaffold properties like orientation and immunomodulation.
• Functionalized scaffolds are crucial for influencing nerve regeneration outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize composite nerve scaffolds using astaxanthin (AXT) and polycaprolactone (PCL).
• To investigate the impact of scaffold orientation and AXT concentration on cellular behavior and nerve regeneration.
• To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of AXT-loaded scaffolds for PNI repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of composite AXT/PCL nerve scaffolds with varying blend concentrations and rotational speeds.
• In vitro assessment of cellular adhesion, migration, and proliferation on scaffolds.
• In vivo evaluation of nerve regeneration, including morphological, histological, electrophysiological, and functional recovery.
• Analysis of the role of mitophagy and oxidative stress in the regenerative microenvironment.

Main Results:

• The optimal scaffold configuration was 0.2% AXT/PCL fabricated at 400 rpm, promoting directed cell growth.
• In vitro studies showed enhanced cellular behavior on the optimized AXT/PCL scaffolds.
• In vivo, the 0.2% AXT/PCL-400 group demonstrated superior nerve regeneration and functional recovery compared to controls.
• Astaxanthin's controlled release modulated the microenvironment by preserving mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Optimized AXT/PCL scaffolds significantly enhance peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
• Scaffold orientation and AXT concentration are critical factors for successful nerve repair.
• Astaxanthin's immunomodulatory effects and promotion of mitophagy are key to improving the regenerative microenvironment.