A bioengineered vinpocetine-and menstrual blood stem cell-loaded neural conduit for treating peripheral nerve injury after bone fractures

Sep 30, 2026

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a major clinical problem and often leads to incomplete functional recovery. This study develops a multifunctional neural guidance conduit that integrates electrospun PCL/collagen scaffolds with a collagen hydrogel containing vinpocetine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and menstrual blood-derived stem cells. Constructs are assessed in vitro for physicochemical, mechanical, and biological performance, including cell viability and hemocompatibility. In a rat sciatic nerve transection model, the approach aims to improve motor and sensory recovery, support axonal regeneration, reduce inflammation, and enhance neurotrophic signaling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine (2026)37:14 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-025-06988-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-025-06988-y) DELIVERY SYSTEMS Original Research A bioengineered vinpocetine-and menstrual blood stem cell-loaded neural conduit for treating peripheral nerve injury after bone fractures Guoshan Li1 ● Yuxin Yan1 ● Yong Hou1 ● Guangsheng Zhao1 ● Xiaodong Wang1 ● Min Cui2 ● Huyu Du1 Received: 19 August 2025 / Accepted: 2 December 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract Background Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) poses a signiﬁcant clinical challenge, often resulting in incomplete functional recovery. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multifunctional neural guidance conduit combining electrospun PCL/ collagen scaffolds with a collagen hydrogel incorporating vinpocetine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (VINCNPs) and menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) . Methods Electrospun PCL/collagen scaffolds loaded with bioactive collagen hydrogel containing VINCNPs and MenSCs (HYDVINMEN) were prepared. The scaffold-hydrogel constructs were evaluated for physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties in vitro, including cell viability and hemocompatibility. In vivo recovery of motor and sensory function, preservation of muscle, axonal regeneration, and inﬂammatory and neurotrophic responses were assessed in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Results Nanocarriers achieved a cumulative drug release of 63.37 ± 5.05% at 168 h. Tensile strength analysis showed that PCL/collagen scaffolds had around 3.387 ± 0.434 MPa of ultimate tensile strength. HYDVINMEN group showed better cell viability, swelling and degradation control, and low hemolytic activity. In vivo study of this group showed better sciatic nerve regeneration, functional recovery, reduced muscle atrophy, more myelination, and overall a good modulation in inﬂammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors as compared to other experimental groups. Conclusion The combinatorial application of VINCNPs and MenSCs in a PCL/collagen scaffold was able to support peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The bioengineered construct presented an alternative therapeutic strategy to autografts in the treatment of PNI that merits further study for clinical translation. * Huyu Du [dr_duhuyua@outlook.com](dr_duhuyua@outlook.com) 1 2 Department of Orthopaedics, Taiyuan Central Hospital/The Ninth Clinical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China Department of Gynaecology, Taiyuan Central Hospital/The Ninth Clinical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract 1 Introduction Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are among the most commonly occurring and challenging injuries to manage, especially in the context of concomitant complex bone fractures. These multifaceted injuries, resulting from a severe degree of trauma, such as high-velocity accidents, military combat, or catastrophic falls, give rise to a sequence of interrelated pathophysiological changes, including, but not limited to, disrupted nerve regeneration, muscle atrophy, and irreversible loss of sensory or motor function [1, 2] . The peripheral nervous system has a large potential to regenerate but the restoration of function is often incomplete and is even less when a nerve gap is present and the local environment is altered by inﬂammation and scarring [3] . Autologous nerve grafting remains the gold standard procedure for the bridging of large nerve gaps. However, due to the various limitations that exist such as donor site morbidity and limited supply, there is a substantial demand for alternative and effective treatment options that can facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration after trauma [4, 5] . Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer promising avenues for developing bioengineered neural guidance channels (NGCs) that can replicate the native nerve environment while supporting

FAQs

What clinical challenge does the study address?

The study targets peripheral nerve injury (PNI), a difficult condition that frequently results in incomplete functional recovery.

How is the bioengineered neural conduit constructed?

It combines electrospun PCL/collagen scaffolds with a collagen hydrogel that carries vinpocetine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and menstrual blood-derived stem cells.

What outcomes were evaluated in the rat sciatic nerve transection model?

Motor and sensory functional recovery, muscle preservation, axonal regeneration, and inflammatory plus neurotrophic responses were assessed.

Sep 30, 2026

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