Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2015, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (10): 1635-1642.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.167763

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

Ya-ling Wang1, 2, Xiao-mei Gu3, Yan Kong4, Qi-lin Feng5, Yu-min Yang1, 4, *   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
    2 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
    3 Jiangsu College of Engineering and Technology, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
    4 Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
    5 School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2015-06-10 Online:2015-10-28 Published:2015-10-28
  • Contact: Yu-min Yang, M.D., yangym@ntu.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:

    This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81371687, 81171457.

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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.

Key words: nerve regeneration, peripheral nerve injury, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), electrospinning, silk fibroin, biocompatibility, nerve guidance conduit, weaving