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Multifunctional Inverse Opal Nerve Guidance Conduits Loaded with Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Peripheral Nerve Repair.
Lei Ren1,2,3, Xin Gao1, Hui Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
This study introduces an innovative inverse opal nerve guidance conduit (NGC) loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for enhanced peripheral nerve repair. The novel scaffold promotes nerve regeneration by secreting growth factors and supporting cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Current nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) face limitations in loaded factor diversity and sustained release duration for effective peripheral nerve repair.
- Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) possess inherent regenerative capabilities beneficial for nerve tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multifunctional inverse opal NGC integrated with BMSCs for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- To assess the NGC's ability to support cell migration, differentiation, and promote nerve repair in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of inverse opal scaffolds using microfluidic-based emulsion droplet templating.
- Loading of BMSCs into the inverse opal NGCs and assessment of secreted neurotrophic factors.
- Evaluation of Schwann cell migration and PC12 cell differentiation in vitro.
- Quantitative analysis of gene expression (bFGF, PDGF, VEGF) using RT-qPCR for 2D vs. 3D BMSC cultures.
- In vivo testing of BMSC-loaded NGCs for repairing critical-sized sciatic nerve defects.
Main Results:
- The inverse opal scaffold demonstrated biocompatibility and cell-concentrating properties.
- BMSCs within the NGC secreted nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor.
- Enhanced migration of rat Schwann cells and differentiation of pheochromocytoma 12 cells were observed.
- 3D BMSC spheroid culture in the scaffold significantly upregulated bFGF, PDGF, and VEGF mRNA expression compared to 2D culture.
- In vivo experiments confirmed the efficacy of BMSC-loaded NGCs in repairing 10 mm sciatic nerve defects.
Conclusions:
- The developed inverse opal NGC integrated with BMSCs shows significant potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- The scaffold facilitates neurotrophic factor secretion and enhances cellular responses crucial for nerve repair.
- This innovative approach offers a promising strategy for addressing limitations in current peripheral nerve repair technologies.
