Aligned core–shell fibrous nerve wrap containing Bletilla striata polysaccharide improves functional outcomes of peripheral nerve repair

Shih Heng Chen*, Po Hao Lien, Feng Huei Lin, Pang Yun Chou, Chih Hao Chen, Zhi Yu Chen, Shih Hsien Chen, Sung Tsang Hsieh, Chieh Cheng Huang, Huang Kai Kao*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered in extremity traumas. Their motor and sensory recovery following microsurgical repair is limited by slow regeneration speed (<1 mm/d) and subsequent muscle atrophy, which are consequently correlated with the activity of local Schwann cells and efficacy of axon outgrowth. To promote post-surgical nerve regeneration, we synthesized a nerve wrap consisting of an aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber shell with a Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) core (APB). Cell experiments demonstrated that the APB nerve wrap markedly promoted neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration and proliferation. Animal experiments applying a rat sciatic nerve repair model indicated that the APB nerve wrap restored conduction efficacy of the repaired nerve and the compound action potential as well as contraction force of the related leg muscles. Histology of the downstream nerves disclosed significantly higher fascicle diameter and myelin thickness with the APB nerve wrap compared to those without BSP. Thus, the BSP-loaded nerve wrap is potentially beneficial for the functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair and offers sustained targeted release of a natural polysaccharide with good bioactivity.

Original languageEnglish
Article number124636
Pages (from-to)124636
JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume241
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 06 2023

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Bletilla striata polysaccharide
  • Core–shell
  • Electrospinning
  • Nerve wrap
  • Peripheral nerve regeneration
  • Schwann cell
  • Schwann Cells
  • Nerve Regeneration/physiology
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy
  • Rats
  • Polysaccharides/pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Myelin Sheath
  • Sciatic Nerve

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aligned core–shell fibrous nerve wrap containing Bletilla striata polysaccharide improves functional outcomes of peripheral nerve repair'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this