PLA/PCL Tubes Filled with Polysaccharide Hydrogels as Robust Hybrid Nerve Guidance Conduits with Controlled Swelling

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) result in significant functional loss.
• Current surgical treatments for PNIs have limited efficacy.
• Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer a potential solution for bridging nerve gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a multi-component NGC for peripheral nerve repair.
• To integrate mechanically reinforcing and shape-memory polymer microfilms with bioactive polysaccharide hydrogels.
• To evaluate the suitability of alginate, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels as ECM mimics within NGCs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of NGCs using rolled-up poly(lactic acid)/poly(caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) microfilms.
• Incorporation of alginate (ALG), hyaluronic acid (HA), or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels as lumen fillers.
• Assessment of hydrogel viscosity, gelation, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility.
• Evaluation of composite conduit degradation, mechanical performance, and structural characteristics.

Main Results:

• All composite NGCs demonstrated non-toxic degradation and mechanical properties similar to native nerves.
• The NGC incorporating the HA click-hydrogel exhibited enhanced porosity.
• The HA-based NGC showed superior mechanical properties (elastic modulus: 19.2 ± 2.9 kPa, compressive strength: 29.2 ± 8.2 kPa).
• The HA hydrogel displayed prolonged stability and a stable swelling ratio within 2 hours, maintained for over 20 days.

Conclusions:

• A cost-effective fabrication strategy for NGCs was developed by combining polysaccharide hydrogels and biodegradable polymer microfilms.
• The HA-based NGC presents a promising platform for nerve tissue engineering due to its structural and mechanical advantages.
• This approach holds potential for advancing peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.