The Effect of Pulse-Released Nerve Growth Factor from Genipin-Crosslinked Gelatin in Schwann Cell–Seeded Polycaprolactone Conduits on Large-Gap Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

Different lag-time of pulse-released nerve growth factor (NGF) from genipin-crosslinked gelatin within polycaprolactone (PCL) conduits was evaluated in large-gap peripheral nerve repair. In this study, 10% (w/v) gelatin was mixed with NGF, crosslinked with 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% (w/v) genipin, and then sucked into the wall of PCL conduits. These controlled-release nerve conduits were named NCL (non-crosslink), LCL (low crosslink), MCL (medium crosslink), and HCL (high crosslink), respectively. The NGF releasing character showed four distinctive curves, including initial burst within 5 days, pulse releasing at 5–20 days, pulse releasing at 10–25 days, and steadily releasing. The bioactivity of the released NGF was shown by neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells after culturing in all groups. Finally, the controlled-release conduits were seeded with 9 × 10³ Schwann cells. Conduits were used to bridge a 15-mm rat sciatic nerve defect, and the results were compared with the isografts (control group). Eight weeks after implantation, morphological analysis revealed that LCL, MCL, and HCL groups were similar to autograft treatment in the numbers and area of myelinated axons. The LCL group, although insignificant, showed a trend to have the highest myelinated axon counts of the conduit-treated groups. Thus, comparing the different NGF release characteristics among NCL, MCL, and LCL groups, we concluded that a high concentration of NGF at 5–10 days in LCL groups is needed in bridging a 15-mm peripheral nerve injury.