Preparation and Characterization of Poly Lactic Acid/Graphene Oxide/Nerve Growth Factor Scaffold with Electrical Stimulation for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in vitro

A novel conductive drug-loading system was prepared by using an improved emulsion electrostatic spinning method which contained polylactic acid (PLA), graphene oxide (GO), and nerve growth factor (NGF) coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles. Firstly, the structure, mechanical properties, morphology and electrical conductivity of PLA/GO electro spun fiber membranes with different GO ratios were characterized. PLA/GO scaffolds can exhibit superior porosity, hydrophilic and biomechanical properties when the GO incorporation rate is 0.5%. The addition of GO in the PLA/GO electro spun fiber membranes can also create appropriate pH environment for the repair of injured nerve when the GO incorporation rate is above 0.5%. Secondly, PLA/GO/BSA/Genipin/NGF particles (with a ratio of BSA/NGF = 3:1) prepared by modified emulsion electro spinning method will release more NGF than PLA/GO/NGF particles. In addition, PLA/0.5%GO/NGF scaffold can maintain its structure stability for at least 8 weeks observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the degradation of PLA/0.5%GO/NGF scaffold is consistent with its weight loss. Finally, in vitro assay confirmes that PLA/GO composite scaffold exhibits low cytotoxicity to RSC96 cells. Cellular results have demonstrated that PLA/0.5%GO/NGF sustained-release drug sustained-release system with appropriate electrical stimulation (ES) can promote PC12 cell proliferation, and it can maintain its differentiation capability for at least 3 weeks. In conclusion, PLA/0.5%GO/NGF sustained-release drug sustained-release system can maintain its biological activity for at least 3 weeks and promote cell proliferation with appropriate ES.