3D-Printed Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) and Graphene Oxide Nerve Guidance Conduit with Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Effective Axon Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) impact the quality of life of millions of people. The current gold standard of treatment, the autograft, fails to restore nerve function and is often associated with untoward effects. The alternative interventions available remain unable to ensure full functional recovery. For this study we developed a 3D printed nerve guidance conduit (NGC) composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and 0.25% graphene oxide (GO), that can be seeded with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to develop a more effective treatment for PNI. Methods We evaluated material degradation, surface topography, and MSC attachment in vitro. For the in vivo analyses, a 10-mm long sciatic nerve defect model was created, and rats were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: autograft, PLGA, PLGA/GO, and PLGA/GO with 1×10 6 MSCs. For a 6-month period: biomechanics were evaluated using a pressure mat walkway to determine functional repair; systemic toxicity was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy of kidney and lung tissue; immunohistochemistry evaluated local adverse effects, myelin sheath and axonal repair; and gross muscle analyses of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus evaluated muscle reinnervation. Results In vitro results showed expected degradation rates, and the addition of GO exhibited cytocompatib

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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