Biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy of crosslinked hydrogel filled 3D-printed nerve conduit for sacral nerve injury repair.

Lu, Jiajia; Li, Yongchuan; Cai, Jiao; Jin, Xingwei; Chu, Guangxin; Jin, Hai; Zhu, Lei; Chen, Aimin · Biomaterials · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Neurological system injuries are debilitating conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. This study investigated using a polycaprolactone (PCL) nerve conduit loaded with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) hydrogel and neural stem cells (NSCs) for treating sacral nerve injury (SNI) in rats to explore its neural repair effects. The results demonstrate that the combined transplantation therapy using a 3D printed scaffold filled with crosslinked hydrogel and NSCs effectively improves SNI, with the PCL Nerve conduit showing potential promotion of neuronal differentiation. This research outcome provides a novel approach to the treatment of nerve injuries.

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