Integrating Near-Field Direct-Writing 3D Printing and Layer-By-Layer Self-Assembly to Construct Electroactive...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Current treatments for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) have limitations in achieving full functional recovery.
• Developing advanced biomaterials is crucial for enhancing neural regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate electroactive, anisotropic polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh scaffolds for peripheral nerve repair.
• To investigate the potential of reduced graphene oxide/PCL (RGO/PCL) composite scaffolds in promoting neural regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Anisotropic PCL mesh scaffolds were fabricated using near-field direct-writing (NFDW) 3D printing.
• Electroactivity was imparted using a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique with polyethylenimine/graphene oxide (PEI/GO), followed by in situ reduction to form RGO/PCL.
• Scaffolds were characterized for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Scaffolds with 10 LbL cycles demonstrated an optimal balance of topological structure, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and hydrophilicity.
• The RGO/PCL composite scaffolds showed excellent biocompatibility, promoting PC12-L cell adhesion, spreading, and neural differentiation.
• Scaffolds with 10 and 15 coating cycles upregulated β-tubulin III expression and facilitated axon-like structure formation.

Conclusions:

• The developed RGO/PCL composite scaffolds represent a promising strategy for peripheral nerve repair.
• These electroactive, biomimetic scaffolds enhance neural regeneration and hold potential for clinical applications in nerve conduits.