Multifunctional Electrospun Nerve Conduits Enriched With Stem Cells and Bioactive Molecules for Sciatic Nerve...

Peripheral nerve injuries are a major clinical challenge, interrupting neural connectivity between the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs. Traumatic events, natural disasters, and accidents often cause these complex injuries. Recent studies highlight the neurogenic potential of dexamethasone, retinoic acid, and umbilical cord blood stem cells in promoting nerve regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design electrospun conduits based on PLCL, gelatin, and collagen, along with dexamethasone, retinoic acid, carboxymethyl chitosan, and umbilical cord blood cells to repair sciatic nerve injuries. The chemical and physical properties of the conduits, in addition to biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, were evaluated with different experiments. Finally, the conduits were implanted into a 10 mm defect in the mouse sciatic nerve, and tissue regeneration was assessed after 3 months by related tests. The results showed that the presence of dexamethasone in the conduit designed improved biocompatibility, wettability, degradation rate, tensile strength, and increased cell viability. After seeding the umbilical cord blood cells on the conduit, the results showed good efficacy of the conduit, improving sensory and motor function and increasing nerve regeneration. These results indicate the potential of the resulting conduits as a promising tool for repairing nerve injuries and clinical trials.