Development of 3D-Printed, Biodegradable, Conductive PGSA Composites for Nerve Tissue Regeneration.

Nerve conduits are used to reconnect broken nerve bundles and provide protection to facilitate nerve regeneration. However, the low degradation rate and regeneration rate, as well as the requirement for secondary surgery are some of the most criticized drawbacks of existing nerve conduits. With high processing flexibility from the photo-curability, poly (glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA) is a promising material with tunable mechanical properties and biocompatibility for the development of medical devices. Here, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and graphene are embedded in biodegradable PGSA matrix. The polymer composites are then assessed for their electrical conductivity, biodegradability, 3D-printability, and promotion of cell proliferation. Through the four-probe technique, it is shown that the PGSA composites were identified as highly conductive in swollen state. Furthermore, biodegradability was evaluated through enzymatic degradation and facilitated hydrolysis. Cell proliferation and guidance were significantly promoted by 3D-printed microstructures and electrical stimulation on PGSA composites, especially on PGSA-PVP. Hence, microstructured nerve conduits were 3D-printed with PGSA-PVP. Guided cell growth and promoted proliferation were subsequently demonstrated by Schwann cell culture combined with electrical stimulation. Consequently, 3D-printed nerve conduits fabricated with PGSA composites hold great potential in nerve tissue regeneration through electrical stimulation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.