Work

Research on the characteristics of nerve guidance conduits based on phase separation 3D printing and electromagnetic induction technology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Repairing long-gap peripheral nerve injury (PNI) remains one of the most significant challenges in regenerative medicine. Autologous nerve transplantation is currently the gold standard. However, the limited sources of donor nerve or the size mismatch present considerable hurdles. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have emerged as a promising alternative, significantly enhancing the functional recovery of PNI. However, integrating porous structures, mechanical properties, surface topology, and electrical stimulation (ES) to regulate neural cell fate and reconstruct the regenerative microenvironment remains challenging. Here, we successfully fabricated a bilayer PCL/MXene NGC featuring groove-guiding structures and electrical conductivity using phase separation-based 3D printing technology. Additionally, we incorporated electromagnetic induction technology to enable non-invasive ES of cells cultured on the conduits. In vitro cell culture experiments demonstrated that the grooved PCL/MXene NGCs significantly enhanced the adhesion, viability, proliferation, and arrangement of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. This magneto-induced, non-invasive electrical stimulation further promoted PC12 cells proliferation and axonal growth, with the axonal length increased by approximately 31% compared to the non-ES groups. This conductive grooved PCL/MXene NGC, constructed based on phase separation 3D printing and electromagnetic induction technology, holds promise for investigating nerve cell behaviors and offers innovative approaches for treating PNI.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2025.115075