An Injectable and Modular NO-Adaptive Delivery System for Modulating Regenerative Microenvironment in Long-Segment...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Long-segment peripheral nerve injuries present significant challenges due to oxidative stress, inflammation, poor revascularization, and slow axonal regeneration.
• Current treatments often fall short in addressing the complex biological and physical barriers to effective nerve repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated regenerative microenvironment that overcomes key barriers in long-segment peripheral nerve repair.
• To enhance cell migration, accelerate axonal growth, and improve revascularization for better nerve regeneration outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Developed a multifunctional conduit integrating dynamic nitric oxide (NO) release for oxidative stress and inflammation control.
• Engineered a gelatin-lipoic acid-seleno-lipoic acid (Gel-LA-SA) microgel hydrogel scaffold to enhance cell infiltration and growth.
• Incorporated a non-invasive electroactive conduit for electrical stimulation to promote nerve cell migration and growth factor secretion.

Main Results:

• The integrated approach effectively addressed barriers to nerve regeneration across extensive defect sites.
• The Gel-LA-SA hydrogel scaffold demonstrated superior cell infiltration and growth compared to traditional hydrogels.
• The combination of NO signaling, advanced hydrogel, and electrical stimulation guided axonal regeneration and supported revascularization.

Conclusions:

• This multifunctional conduit offers a promising strategy for repairing long-segment peripheral nerve injuries.
• The integrated approach provides a novel solution for enhancing nerve regeneration by optimizing the microenvironment.
• Findings suggest potential broader applications in neurological disease treatment and tissue regeneration.