Optimizing scaffold properties for nerve regeneration: Effects of bioactive glass in 3D-printed chitosan structures

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a challenge for regenerative medicine and, when not properly healed, yield significant consequences for the patient, such as functional loss and neuropathic pain. Despite the intrinsic repair capacity of these structures, the process is limited to mild injuries and may not result in functional recovery. The gold standard in this field is the use of autologous grafts; however, this method has several disadvantages, including donor tissue morbidity and a low functional recovery rate. In this study, we developed 3D printed chitosan scaffolds with varying bioactive glass concentrations for application in peripheral nerve regeneration. Adding bioactive glass allowed better control over liquid absorption and degradation time. Moreover, lower concentrations of the ceramic particles improved maximum elongation and showed suitable mechanical properties for nerve repair. Bioactive glass addition significantly improved scaffold-cell interactions, increasing adhesion and proliferation of nerve-like cells, properties that can enhance the regenerative process. Thus, chitosan scaffolds with bioactive glass show promise for the proposed application, with a notable concentration of 1 %, which exhibited suitable physical and chemical characteristics for nerve repair, as well as improvements in biological properties.