Evaluation of a novel bioabsorbable PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP/NGF composites in repair of peripheral nerves

Abstract

Peripheral nerve regeneration using a novel nerve conduit (PRGD/PDLLA/β TCP/NGF) was evaluated, which was made of RGD peptide modified poly{(lactic acid)-co-[(glycolic acid)-alt-(L-lysine)]} (PRGD), poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). And the effectiveness was compared with that of PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP, PDLLA and autograft in terms of nerve regeneration across a gap. Both of biodegradablity and cell-biocompatibility of the novel nerve conduit were evaluated in vitro. The results show that PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP/NGF composite materials have better biodegradation properties and cell affinity than PDLLA, and could promote the RSC96 Schwann cells adhesion, proliferation and growth on the surface of materials. PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP/NGF composite conduit was significantly superior to that of the PDLLA conduit in histological and axon morphologic index. PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP/NGF conduit is more beneficial to nerve regeneration than PDLLA conduit. The biodegradable PDLLA/PRGD/β-TCP/NGF conduit has a good biocompatibility with rats tissue and it could effectively promote the nerve regeneration after bridging sciatic nerve defect of rats, the effect is as good as that of the autograft nerve, significantly superior to the PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP conduit and PDLLA conduit. PDLLA/PRGD/β-TCP/NGF composite conduit is a potential ideal conduit.

Keywords

peripheral nerve / nerve conduit / PDLLA/PRGD/β-TCP/NGF composite / regeneration

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