Conductive ionic liquid hydrogel filled anti-inflammatory nerve conduit repairs peripheral nerve defect

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) pose significant challenges to nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
• Effective repair strategies require microenvironments that support cell growth and reduce inflammation.
• Existing treatments often have limitations in promoting complete nerve regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel conductive and anti-inflammatory scaffold for peripheral nerve repair.
• To investigate the efficacy of a chitosan-hydroxyethyl cellulose/ionic liquid hydrogel within a poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone)/luteolin nanofiber conduit.
• To assess the scaffold's impact on cell proliferation, macrophage polarization, and nerve regeneration in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a conductive CS-HEC/IL hydrogel.
• Integration of the hydrogel into a hollow PLCL/Lut nanofiber conduit.
• In vitro assessment of Schwann and PC12 cell proliferation and macrophage M2 phenotype transition.
• In vivo implantation into a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model.
• Histological and functional assessments 8 weeks post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The PLCL/Lut-CS-HEC/IL conduit significantly enhanced Schwann and PC12 cell proliferation.
• The scaffold promoted macrophage transition to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.
• Histological analysis showed enhanced myelination and axonal outgrowth.
• Functional assessments revealed improved motor recovery and nerve conduction in the treated group.

Conclusions:

• The developed PLCL/Lut-CS-HEC/IL scaffold provides a promising conductive and anti-inflammatory microenvironment for peripheral nerve repair.
• This strategy effectively promotes nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
• The scaffold holds significant therapeutic potential for treating peripheral nerve injuries.