Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Containing Electrospun Fibers for Nerve Regeneration: A Comparison Between Core-Shell Structured and Preblended Composites

Advanced biomaterial-based strategies for treatment of peripheral nerve injury require precise control over both topological and biological cues for facilitating rapid and directed nerve regeneration. As a highly bioactive and tissue-specific natural material, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) derived from peripheral nerves (decellularized nerve matrix, DNM) has drawn increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine, due to its outstanding capabilities in facilitating neurite outgrowth and remyelination. To induce and maintain sufficient topological guidance, electrospinning was conducted for fabrication of axially aligned nanofibers consisting of DNM and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). Core-shell structured fibers were prepared by coaxial electrospinning using DNM as the shell and PCL as the core. Compared to the aligned electrospun fibers using preblended DNM/PCL, the core-shell structured fibers exhibited lower tensile strength, faster degradation, but considerable toughness for nerve guidance conduit preparation and relatively intact fibrous structure after long-term degradation. More importantly, the full DNM surface coverage of the aligned core-shell fibers effectively promoted axonal extension and Schwann cells migration. The DNM contents further triggered neurite bundling and myelin formation toward nerve fiber maturation and functionalization. Herein, we not only pursue a multi-functional scaffold design for nerve regeneration, a detailed comparison between core-shell structured and preblended electrospinning of DNM/PCL composites was also provided as an applicable paradigm for advanced tissue-engineered strategies using dECM-based biomaterials.

Automated summary

Advanced biomaterial-based strategies for treatment of peripheral nerve injury require precise control over both topological and biological cues for facilitating rapid and directed nerve regeneration. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) derived from peripheral nerves, known as decellularized nerve matrix (DNM), has outstanding capabilities in facilitating neurite outgrowth and remyelination. This study compares core-shell structured and preblended electrospinning of DNM/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) composites, providing an applicable paradigm for advanced tissue-engineered strategies using dECM-based biomaterials.