Fabrication of a conduit for future peripheral nerve regeneration using decellularized plant tissue modified with polyaniline/graphene oxide nanosheet

Abstract

Because thick nerves have a limited capacity for regeneration, treating peripheral nerve injuries, especially long-range abnormalities, is extremely difficult. Long nerve abnormalities can be better repaired using multichannel nerve guide conduits. Yet, it remains unknown how to fabricate multichannel scaffolds or conduits for nerve tissue engineering (NTE) with a suitable number of microchannels. This study aims to shed light on the potential of plant tissue (stem) in NTE due to its microchannels. To assess this potential, the Lisianthus flower stems were decellularized and then modified with polyaniline (0.05% (G0), 0.1% (G1), 0.2% (G2), and 5% w/v (G3)) and graphene oxide nanosheets (GNS,1 mg/ml) and named MDSs. MDSs were analyzed using FTIR and SEM. Electrical conductivity, porosity, water uptake, swelling, biodegradation, mechanical strength, and cytotoxicity were also carried out to evaluate the eligibility of MDSs as conduits. DAPI staining and Acridine orange (AO) were also performed to monitor Schwann cell concentration and proliferation. The analysis revealed that decellularized stems owned numerous linear microchannels with micro-size (10–80 µm). MDSs showed notable electrical conductivity (0.3 S/cm), good water uptake (400%), swelling (500%), porosity (32–42%), elastic modulus (31 MPa), biodegradability, and biocompatibility (>90%). MDSs could effectively support cell proliferation and migration, according to the results of DAPI and AO staining. Experimental results showed that MDSs can be a good alternative for fabricated multichannel via current fabrication techniques for NTE.