Core/shell nanofibrous conduit containing natural surfactant enhanced axonal regrowth guiding for peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

This study illustrated the impact of Saponins in electrospun nanofibers on nerve regeneration and compared them with Tween 80, which is commonly used as a synthetic surfactant. The study explores the effect of Saponins, natural emulsifiers known for their effectiveness in forming and stabilizing emulsions. Surfactant choice is crucial due to its effects on fluid stability, influenced by parameters like polymer concentration, homogenization rate, and surfactant type/amount. This study explored PCL as the core and PVA as the shell.Core/shell scaffolds displayed favorable wettability (contact angle: 67.0° ± 1.3) and improved mechanical properties (wet state tensile strength: PVA 1.1 ± 0.2 MPa, PVA/PCL-Saponin 2.0 ± 0.5 MPa). The MTT viability assay demonstrated higher viability of PC12 cells on Saponin-containing nanofibers (85.0 % ± 0.1) compared to Tween 80 (69.0 % ± 0.1) after 24 h. Subcutaneous implantation in rats showed no significant inflammation after one week. Eventually, in the animal model, the conduit containing Saponin was more effective than Tween 80 in repairing the rat's sciatic nerve within six weeks, as evidenced by NF-200 counts and histological studies. Overall, the study indicates that PVA/PCL-Saponin nanofibers, without requiring Saponin surfactant removal, show high quality and effectiveness for tissue engineering and medical purposes.

Keywords

• Nerve guidance conduits
• Emulsion electrospinning
• Core/shell
• PVA/PCL
• Saponin