Absorbable collagen sponge combined with recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor promotes nerve regeneration in rat sciatic nerve.

Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) is a peptide with many bioactivities such as promoting proliferation and migration of various cells. It plays an important role in neuroprotection and enhancement of nerve regeneration. Due to its short half-life in the body, local administration by injection is limited. To prolong the bioactivity of rhbFGF and to enhance its biological effects, absorbable collagen sponge was used as matrixes and carriers for controlled release of rhbFGF. The effects of rhbFGF soaked into an absorbable collagen sponge (rhbFGF/ACS) for the repair of rat sciatic nerve injury were evaluated. The functional, electrophysiological and histological examinations demonstrate the treatment with rhbFGF/ACS can enhance rat sciatic nerve repair, and its effectiveness is better than free rhbFGF alone. It is concluded the rhbFGF/ACS is a promising biomaterial to improve the repair and regeneration of sciatic nerve injury.