Electroconductive and Immunomodulatory Natural Polymer‐Based Hydrogel Bandages Designed for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

AbstractSuccessful regeneration of the peripheral nerve relies on the collaborative efforts of neural cells and immune cells. Conductive hydrogels have yielded promising results in supporting axonal growth; however, their inability to regulate the immune response and their poor biological integration with tissues hinder the repair of injured peripheral nerves. Herein, an adhesive conductive immunomodulatory nerve hydrogel bandage is developed for nerve regeneration. The nerve bandage hydrogel is prepared from the bioactive material extracellular matrix (ECM), oxidized polysaccharides, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) by self‐assembly and dynamic Schiff base cross‐linking. The drug indole‐3‐propionic acid (IPA) is loaded into nerve bandages and contributes to the rapid chemotaxis of neutrophils in the dorsal root ganglia and modulation of the immune system. In addition, the conductive hydrogel bandage exhibits close conformal contact with the injured nerve, forming a stable and tightly coupled electrical bridge with the electroresponsive neural tissue. In summary, the nerve bandage effectively promote nerve regeneration and enable both anatomical and functional recovery of neural tissue while preventing muscle atrophy. This work provides a new strategy for peripheral nerve regeneration and may have critical clinical applications in the future.