Electrospun and woven silk fibroin/poly(lactic-co- glycolic acid) nerve guidance conduits for repairing peripheral nerve injury

Abstract

We have designed a novel nerve guidance conduit (NGC) made from silk fibroin and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) through electrospinning and weaving (ESP-NGCs). Several physical and biological properties of the ESP-NGCs were assessed in order to evaluate their biocompatibility. The physical properties, including thickness, tensile stiffness, infrared spectroscopy, porosity, and water absorption were determined in vitro. To assess the biological properties, Schwann cells were cultured in ESP-NGC extracts and were assessed by morphological observation, the MTT assay, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, ESP-NGCs were subcutaneously implanted in the backs of rabbits to evaluate their biocompatibility in vivo. The results showed that ESP-NGCs have high porosity, strong hydrophilicity, and strong tensile stiffness. Schwann cells cultured in the ESP-NGC extract fluids showed no significant differences compared to control cells in their morphology or viability. Histological evaluation of the ESP-NGCs implanted in vivo indicated a mild inflammatory reaction and high biocompatibility. Together, these data suggest that these novel ESP-NGCs are biocompatible, and may thus provide a reliable scaffold for peripheral nerve repair in clinical application.

Tissue Engineered Neural Constructs Composed of Neural Precursor Cells, Recombinant Spidroin and PRP for Neural Tissue Regeneration

“…Many researchers consider them as a prospective material for creation of recombinant tissue engineered scaffolds, including those for neural tissue 32–35 . Silk proteins have been mostly investigated for the development of scaffolds for regeneration of peripheral nerves 33,37 and much less explored in the context of CNS regeneration. Interestingly, recombinant spidroin coating of cell culture surfaces has been shown to promote adhesion and neuronal differentiation 25 .…”

Implantable nerve guidance conduits: Material combinations, multi-functional strategies and advanced engineering innovations

“…(i) The inner wall of the ESP-NGC. (j) Electrospun SF fibers (Scale bars: 1.0 mm in h, 10.0 μm in i and j) [ 69 ]. Copyright 2015, Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications.…”

“…The nano fibers produced by the mixed solution have better hygroscopicity and mechanical properties compared with the nano fibers made from pure SF [ 59 ]. In order to optimize the advantages of both natural and synthetic materials, Wang et al developed a novel NGC made from SF and PLGA through electrospinning and weaving (ESP-NGC) [ 69 , 70 ]. It can be seen that the electrospun SF fibers constitute the outer and inner layers, and the PLGA fibers form the middle layer ( Fig.…”

Biofabrication and biomaterials for urinary tract reconstruction

“…Nerve guidance conduits made from silk fibroin and poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid (PLGA) through electrospinning and weaving were able to promote and maintain Schwan cell growth in vivo in rabbits. 41 This could be applied in the near future as a biomaterial to promote nerve tissue regeneration for bladder or ureteric engineering. The aim was to have a functional tissue for bladder contractions or ureteric peristalsis.…”