Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Engrafted Bacterial Cellulose and Graphene Oxide Scaffolds Enhance Peripheral Nerve Repair in a Rat Model

Simsek I., ÜNAL YILDIRIM S., ÇEKİÇ E., Dogan E., KİRAZLI Ö., HARMAN F.

Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/mame.202500165
  • Journal Name: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: bacterial cellulose, graphene oxide, implantable scaffold, mesenchymal stem cells, peripheral nerve injury
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries result in significant functional impairment, and limited regenerative capacity within the central nervous system further complicates recovery. This study investigates the effects of graphene oxide-decorated bacterial cellulose (BC/GO) scaffolds, with or without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), on axonal regeneration following sciatic nerve injury in rats. Twenty-seven male rats were assigned to autograft, BC/GO, and BC/GO+MSCs. The sciatic functional index (SFI), electromyography (EMG), and histopathological analysis were evaluated at 8 weeks. Although SFI scores showed no significant differences, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values at 4 weeks were significantly higher in both the BC/GO and BC/GO+MSCs groups compared to autografts. Macroscopic examination revealed extensive tissue adhesions in the BC/GO and BC/GO+MSCs groups. Histological analysis indicated regeneration across all groups. The autograft group showed no inflammation, whereas the BC/GO group demonstrated the highest levels of inflammation and degeneration. The BC/GO+MSCs group exhibited reduced inflammation, likely due to the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs. While BC/GO scaffolds promoted early regeneration, the inflammatory response compromised the long-term outcomes. These findings suggest BC/GO scaffolds can facilitate initial nerve repair but require further refinement to sustain long-term functional recovery.