Research Progress in Nerve Regeneration Based on Polylactic Acid

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries, though rarely fatal, can lead to sensory and motor deficits and neuropathic pain, significantly lowering patients’ quality of life. Thus, it is crucial to explore potential treatments that can promote the regeneration of injured sciatic nerves. Currently, nerve anastomosis is performed between the two ends for short-gap nerve defects, while long-gap nerve defects require the use of nerve conduits, scaffolds, and nerve grafts. In terms of neural tissue engineering, identifying suitable biomaterials remains a key challenge. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic, biodegradable polymer with excellent processability, allowing it to be manufactured into various structures. Its mechanical properties, biodegradability, biomineralization capacity, and antibacterial properties make it a promising material for neural tissue engineering applications. In this work, we first introduce the physical and chemical properties, as well as the synthesis routes, of PLA and further elucidate the effect of various additives on its mechanical properties. Finally, we critically evaluate PLA-based strategies—including scaffolds, nerve conduits, drug delivery carriers, films, and microspheres—for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Taken together, PLA and its derivatives have a promising future in neural tissue engineering, with application methods and scenarios set to become more diverse.

Impact Statement

This review highlights the transformative potential of polylactic acid (PLA)-based biomaterials in advancing peripheral nerve regeneration. By integrating interdisciplinary innovations in scaffold design, functionalization (e.g., conductive polymers, growth factor delivery), and fabrication techniques (e.g., electrospinning, 3D printing), PLA systems offer tailored mechanical, biochemical, and topographical cues to enhance axon guidance, Schwann cell activity, and microenvironment regulation. Despite challenges such as acidic degradation by-products and mismatched degradation–regeneration kinetics, PLA’s biocompatibility, tunability, and clinical scalability position it as a cornerstone of neural tissue engineering. Future efforts, combining computational modeling, large animal validations, and smart-responsive strategies, could bridge the gap between biomaterial science and functional nerve repair, accelerating clinical translation for improved patient outcomes.