BDNF-loaded chitosan-based mimetic mussel polymer conduits for repair of peripheral nerve injury

• Published in: Frontiers in cell and developmental biology 2024-07, Vol.12, p.1431558
• Main Authors: Li, Lei, Chu, Ziyue, Li, Shihao, Zheng, Tong, Wei, Shusheng, Zhao, Yunpeng, Liu, Peilai, Lu, Qunshan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BDNF; Cell and Developmental Biology; chitosan-based; mimetic mussel; peripheral nerve injury; polymer conduits
• ISSN: 2296-634X; 2296-634X
• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1431558

Care for patients with peripheral nerve injury is multifaceted, as traditional methods are not devoid of limitations. Although the utilization of neural conduits shows promise as a therapeutic modality for peripheral nerve injury, its efficacy as a standalone intervention is limited. Hence, there is a pressing need to investigate a composite multifunctional neural conduit as an alternative treatment for peripheral nerve injury. In this study, a BDNF-loaded chitosan-based mimetic mussel polymer conduit was prepared. Its unique adhesion characteristics allow it to be suture-free, improve the microenvironment of the injury site, and have good antibacterial properties. Researchers utilized a rat sciatic nerve injury model to evaluate the progression of nerve regeneration at the 12-week postoperative stage. The findings of this study indicate that the chitosan-based mimetic mussel polymer conduit loaded with BDNF had a substantial positive effect on myelination and axon outgrowth. The observed impact demonstrated a favorable outcome in terms of sciatic nerve regeneration and subsequent functional restoration in rats with a 15-mm gap. Hence, this approach is promising for nerve tissue regeneration during peripheral nerve injury.