3D Manufacture of Gold Nanocomposite Channels Facilitates Neural Differentiation and Regeneration

Conductive nerve guidance channels are promising alternative therapies in peripheral nerve tissue engineering because they have excellent biocompatibility, biodegradation, and electrical conductivity. Gold, a kind of conductive material, is investigated widely concerning its potential roles in promoting peripheral nerve repair. In the present study, a polydopamine-coated gold/polycaprolactone nanoscaffold is fabricated via a multilayer molding method and its proliferative, adhesive, and neural differentiation potential for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro is evaluated. Functional, electrophysiological evaluation, and morphological assessment all exhibit satisfactory recovery of sciatic nerves with increased thickness and number of myelinated fibers in vivo. In addition, increased microvessels are confirmed in gold nanocomposite channels, indicating their potential benefits in angiogenesis. Functional regeneration is further enhanced by neurotrophic growth factors released from BMSC and SC loading. The gold nanocomposite channel will have great potential in peripheral nerve restoration.