The properties of a compound nerve scaffold based on acellular-matrix and poly (lactide- co-glycolide)

With the development of tissue engineering for peripheral nerve regeneration, compound nerve scaffolds will be paid more attention in future. In this study, we attempted to fabricate a compound nerve scaffold with acellular pigskin and poly (lactide- co-glycolide) [PLGA] and characterized for its microstructure, in vitro degradation behaviour and biocompatibility. The microstructure of the scaffold was observed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM); Its in vitro degradation behaviour was evaluated by testing its max water absorption and ultimate mass loss; In vitro biocompatibiliV assessment was carried out to assess the morphology and viability of Schwann cells coculturing with the scaffold. According to the results, the scaffold was homogeneous and porous; its max water absorption was about 100.06 %, its ultimate mass loss was about 9.05% in PBS (pH=7.4) during 8 weeks; SCs could adhere to the scaffold and MTT assay confirmed more adhesion of Schwann cells on the scaffold than its control. It could be concluded that this compound scaffold will be a potential artificial nerve scaffold.