The role of Genipin crosslinked extracellular matrix loaded bFGF in the repair of peripheral nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Biomaterials have been extensively utilized in the field of tissue regeneration and repair. The objective of this study was to develop and assess the efficacy of ECM-G@bFGF in the repair of sciatic nerve injuries. METHODS: The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the sciatic nerve was extracted using an acellularization technique. Functionalized ECM-G@bFGF was prepared by cross-linking a mixture of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and genipin(G) into the ECM scaffold. The physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility, and sustained-release properties of ECM-G@bFGF were systematically evaluated. Additionally, in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of ECM-G@bFGF in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration and repair. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the thread-like spatial structure of the sciatic nerve was preserved within the extracellular matrix (ECM) after decellularization. The mixture of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and Genipin was evenly distributed throughout the ECM. The ECM-G@bFGF exhibited excellent swelling properties, favorable biocompatibility, and no significant cytotoxicity. Through the cross-linking effect of Genipin, the degradation rate of the ECM was effectively reduced, and the release duration of bFGF was significantly prolonged. In vivo experimental results further indicated that ECM-G@bFGF could promote faster regeneration of nerve axons, mitigate gastrocnemius denervation-induced atrophy, restore sciatic nerve conduction function, and enhance the recovery of hind limb functionality. CONCLUSION: The experimental results regarding the slow release of growth factors from ECM-G@bFGF demonstrated that ECM derived from different tissues could facilitate the release of growth factors from various sources via Genipin cross-linking.