Construction of a three-dimensional bionic nerve conduit containing two neurotrophic factors with separate delivery systems for the repair of sciatic nerve defects

Previous studies of nerve conduits have investigated numerous properties, such as conduit luminal structure and neurotrophic factor incorporation, for the regeneration of nerve defects. The present study used a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer to construct a three-dimensional (3D) bionic nerve conduit, with two channels and multiple microtubule lumens, and incorporating two neurotrophic factors, each with their own delivery system, as a novel environment for peripheral nerve regeneration. The efficacy of this conduit in repairing a 1.5 cm sciatic nerve defect was compared with PLGA-alone and PLGA-microfilament conduits, and autologous nerve transplantation. Results showed that compared with the other groups, the 3D bionic nerve conduit had the fastest nerve conduction velocity, largest electromyogram amplitude, and shortest electromyogram latency. In addition, the nerve fiber density, myelin sheath thickness and axon diameter were significantly increased, and the recovery rate of the triceps surae muscle wet weight was lowest. These findings suggest that 3D bionic nerve conduits can provide a suitable microenvironment for peripheral nerve regeneration to efficiently repair sciatic nerve defects.