A magnetically responsive nanocomposite scaffold combined with Schwann cells promotes sciatic nerve regeneration upon exposure to magnetic field

Abstract

Peripheral nerve repair is still challenging for surgeons. Autologous nerve transplantation is the acknowledged therapy; however, its application is limited by the scarcity of available donor nerves, donor area morbidity, and neuroma formation. Biomaterials for engineering artificial nerves, particularly materials combined with supportive cells, display remarkable promising prospects. Schwann cells (SCs) are the absorbing seeding cells in peripheral nerve engineering repair; however, the attenuated biologic activity restricts their application. In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite scaffold fabricated from magnetic nanoparticles and a biodegradable chitosan–glycerophosphate polymer was made. Its structure was evaluated and characterized. The combined effects of magnetic scaffold (MG) with an applied magnetic field (MF) on the viability of SCs and peripheral nerve injury repair were investigated. The magnetic nanocomposite scaffold showed tunable magnetization and degradation rate. The MGs synergized with the applied MF to enhance the viability of SCs after transplantation. Furthermore, nerve regeneration and functional recovery were promoted by the synergism of SCs-loaded MGs and MF. Based on the current findings, the combined application of MGs and SCs with applied MF is a promising therapy for the engineering of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Mechanical stimulation of Schwann cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration via extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of microRNA 23b-3p

“…Similarly, shear stress on primary SCs has been shown to reduce the expression of myelin protein genes and promote the proliferation of SCs 14 , 16 . So far, many mechanotransduction pathways have been identified in SCs 13 , and attempts have been made to promote nerve regeneration by mechanically stimulating SCs 19 . Nevertheless, it is far from clear how SCs sense and respond to mechanical signals and consequent effect on nerve regeneration.…”

Sciatic nerve leachate of cattle causes neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells via ERK1/2 signaling pathway

“…It is well known that neurotrophins derived from Schwann cells can activate specific cell surface receptors, which initiate a series of reactions in cells including neuronal morphology, survival, and function [ 13 ]. Some studies have revealed that it is important for Schwann cells to secrete cytokines such as nerve growth factor (NGF) [ 6 ], epidermal growth factor [ 17 ], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [ 15 ], and basic fibroblast growth factor [ 9 ] in the regeneration process of axotomized peripheral nerve fibers [ 20 ].…”

A novel bacterial cellulose membrane immobilized with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosome prevents epidural fibrosis

“…The animal experiments were approved by the animal ethics committee of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital (approval no 2013-X7-29), and all animal experiments were undertaken in conformity with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Institutes of Health publication no 85-23, revised 1985). 26 A total of 270 New Zealand White rabbits (Animal Center, PLA General Hospital, Beijing), weighing 2.5-3.0 kg, were randomly divided into five groups as shown in Table 1. Ketamine hydrochloride (2 mL, 100 mg) and serotrazine hydrochloride (2 mL, 40 mg) were mixed in a 1:1 ratio as the anesthetic in the experiments.…”