Bacterial cellulose-sericin gold nanoparticle conduit functionalized with GDNF for peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental sciatic nerve injury model in rats

Abstract

Objective: Although the application of autografts continues to be regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, there exists a necessity for alternative grafting materials. This study investigates the effects of a nerve conduit obtained from bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and functionalized with the GDNF neurotrophic factor on repair in peripheral nerve injury. Methods: Bacterial cellulose membranes obtained from Gluconacetobacter xylinus cell culture were modified with sericin-gold nanoparticles produced by green synthesis and functionalized with glial-derived neurotrophic factor to become conduits. A unilateral 8 mm sciatic nerve defect was created in Wistar rats (n = 21). Rats were divided into three groups as autograft (n = 7), BC-AuNP (n = 7), and BC-AuNP/GDNF (n = 7). Gait analysis and electromyography (EMG) measurements were performed at the end of the 8th week. Tissues from the sciatic nerve were obtained for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: By the result of the 8th week, the BC-AuNPs/GDNF group attained results comparable to those of the autograft group, as indicated by the sciatic function index derived from gait analysis and EMG measurements. Examinations of axon diameters, myelin sheath thickness, and vessel count demonstrated that the autograft and BC-AuNPs/GDNF groups exhibited significantly elevated values in comparison to the BC-AuNPs group. Conclusion: In the management of peripheral nerve injury, the application of BC-AuNP/GDNF yielded healing outcomes that were comparable to those achieved through autograft, both functionally and histologically.