Mesenchymal stem cell-laden double-network hydrogel nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve injury repair.

ABSTRACT: To enhance the repair of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs), various nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have been developed by integrating topological, biochemical, and cellular cues. Hydrogel-based NGCs are particularly promising owing to their unique tissue-mimicking characteristics, such as high water content, softness, and porosity. However, their weak mechanical strength and insufficient biological activity limits their application. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop NGCs by encapsulating human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ucMSCs) in double-network (DN) hydrogel conduits for improved peripheral nerve regeneration. A DN hydrogel, fabricated via sequential photo- and ionic-crosslinking of 15 % gelatin methacrylate and 1 % alginate, exhibited excellent rheological

SUBMITTER: Kim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481091 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature