Electrically conductive and anti-inflammatory nerve conduits based on chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose hydrogel for enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration.

Nerve guiding catheters (NGCs) are crucial for peripheral nerve repair, providing physical guidance and establishing a conducive microenvironment to nerve regeneration. In this study, we developed a bifunctional CS-HEC@PEDOT/SIM (CHPS) hydrogel-filled electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) conduit. The hydrogel matrix was fabricated using chitosan (CS) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as the base materials, which exhibited excellent biocompatibility and degradability. Conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was synthesized in situ within the matrix to establish stable electrostatic interactions with HEC, enhancing the electrical conductivity of the system. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory simvastatin (SIM) was uniformly dispersed throughout the hydrogel network through an optimized activation procedure. In vitro, the CHPS hydrogel exhibited promising electrical conductivity and sustained anti-inflammatory drug release. Furthermore, they supported neural cell proliferation and M2 macrophage polarization. In vivo, the CHPS hydrogel-filled conduits may create a favorable environment for electrical conductivity and inflammatory regulation, potentially promoting sciatic nerve regeneration in rats and facilitating partial recovery of motor function and nerve conduction. In conclusion, this approach may offer substantial potential for advancing nerve repair strategies and inspiring future clinical applications in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.