A bioengineered vinpocetine- and menstrual blood stem cell-loaded neural conduit for treating peripheral nerve injury after bone fractures.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) poses a significant clinical challenge, often resulting in incomplete functional recovery. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multifunctional neural guidance conduit combining electrospun PCL/collagen scaffolds with a collagen hydrogel incorporating vinpocetine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (VINCNPs) and menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs).

METHODS

Electrospun PCL/collagen scaffolds loaded with bioactive collagen hydrogel containing VINCNPs and MenSCs (HYDVINMEN) were prepared. The scaffold-hydrogel constructs were evaluated for physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties in vitro, including cell viability and hemocompatibility. In vivo recovery of motor and sensory function, preservation of muscle, axonal regeneration, and inflammatory and neurotrophic responses were assessed in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

RESULTS

Nanocarriers achieved a cumulative drug release of 63.37 ± 5.05% at 168 h. Tensile strength analysis showed that PCL/collagen scaffolds had around 3.387 ± 0.434 MPa of ultimate tensile strength. HYDVINMEN group showed better cell viability, swelling and degradation control, and low hemolytic activity. In vivo study of this group showed better sciatic nerve regeneration, functional recovery, reduced muscle atrophy, more myelination, and overall a good modulation in inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors as compared to other experimental groups.

CONCLUSION

The combinatorial application of VINCNPs and MenSCs in a PCL/collagen scaffold was able to support peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The bioengineered construct presented an alternative therapeutic strategy to autografts in the treatment of PNI that merits further study for clinical translation.