Conductive Hydrogels with Topographical Geometry and Mechanical Robustness for Enhanced Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Yinghui Feng, Liangjie Shan, Yafei Wang, Xingmei Chen, Changjiang Wang, Ji Liu
Abstract
Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) emerge as a promising solution for nerve regeneration; however, conventional NGCs fail to fulfill the requirements for peripheral nerve regeneration, which are subjected to periodical yet vigorous stretching, bending, and compression. Here, we developed a fatigue-resistant conductive hydrogel-based NGC by integrating topographical geometry, enhanced electroactivity, and superior fatigue resistance within one unit. The hydrogel, consisting of a PVA matrix with PEDOT:PSS as a conductive filler, features a topographical alignment that promotes axonal growth and achieves a fatigue threshold over 500 J/m 2, making it well-suited for sciatic nerve repairing. Phase segregation of PEDOT chains enhances its electrical conductivity (>500 S/m) and mitigates the interfacial impedance mismatch, allowing for high-efficiency bioelectrical signal transmission. In vivo studies on a rat sciatic nerve injury model corroborate the accelerated peripheral nerve regeneration through improved motor function recovery and efficient electrophysiological signal transmission. These findings establish our hydrogel-based NGCs as a promising solution for high-efficiency nerve regeneration through the synergy of topographical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.