Decalcified and Decellularized Bone Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Comparative In Vivo Study Using Rat...

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) pose a major clinical challenge, especially when nerve gaps exceed 5 mm and spontaneous regeneration is inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of novel bone-derived nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) fabricated from rat femoral diaphysis and chicken ulna as alternatives to conventional autologous and allogeneic grafts.

Demineralized and decellularized bone scaffolds were characterized for collagen preservation, luminal geometry, and mechanical and electrical properties. In vivo, the conduits were implanted to bridge 10 mm sciatic nerve gaps in rats. Functional recovery was assessed over 16 weeks using sciatic functional index (SFI), hot-plate latency, and gastrocnemius muscle mass ratio. Histological analysis and RT-qPCR profiling of ECM-related genes (COL1A1, FN1, LAMB2, and Tenascin-C) were performed to evaluate tissue integration and molecular responses.

Chicken-derived conduits showed superior tensile strength and elasticity, while both scaffold types supported hydration-dependent ionic conductivity. In vivo results demonstrated progressive conduit resorption and nerve tissue replacement. Treated groups showed significant motor and sensory recovery compared to axotomy controls. Histology revealed early axonal infiltration, neovascularization, and remyelination. Gene expression analysis indicated scaffold-specific temporal regulation aligned with regenerative phases.

Bone-derived NGCs from rat femur and chicken ulna effectively supported structural, electrophysiological, and functional nerve regeneration. These findings highlight their promise as accessible, biocompatible alternatives to traditional grafts and provide a foundation for future translational research in peripheral nerve repair.