Enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration through NaOH-based decellularization of human nerve tissue.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries are common and challenging to treat, with autografts being the standard but having limitations.
• Current decellularization methods for nerve allografts using detergents can leave toxic residues and damage the extracellular matrix (ECM).
• There is a need for improved decellularization techniques to create safer and more effective nerve grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-based decellularization technique for human nerve allografts.
• To assess the efficacy of NaOH-based decellularized nerve grafts in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.
• To compare the performance of NaOH-based decellularized nerve grafts with traditional autografts.

Main Methods:

• A novel sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-based decellularization protocol was applied to human nerve tissues.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays and cell viability/proliferation studies were conducted on decellularized nerves.
• An in vivo rabbit sciatic nerve defect model was used to compare NaOH-based decellularized nerves with autografts.

Main Results:

• The NaOH-based method effectively removed inflammatory materials and significantly reduced lipid and detergent residues.
• Decellularized human nerves exhibited low cytotoxicity and supported enhanced cell viability and proliferation in vitro.
• In vivo studies showed functional recovery and structural regeneration (neurofilament and laminin expression) comparable to autografts.

Conclusions:

• The NaOH-based decellularization technique is effective in preparing human nerve grafts with minimal toxicity and preserved ECM.
• These decellularized nerve grafts promote nerve regeneration comparable to autografts in a preclinical model.
• NaOH-based decellularized human nerve grafts represent a safe and viable alternative for treating peripheral nerve defects.