Magnetic-topological multistage synergy: Anisotropic ovalbumin scaffolds loaded with magnetically-responsive neural cells for long-distance peripheral nerve regeneration

Rapid repair and functional reconstruction of long-distance peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is an important clinical challenge, but existing therapeutic strategies are unable to go beyond autologous nerve grafts to meet the clinical needs. Anisotropic topology can regulate the migration direction of nerve fibers, and magnetized nerve cells can accelerate the nerve regeneration process by directional migration driven via exogenous magnetic field, but there are rare reports of anisotropic topologized nerve grafts loaded with magnetized nerve cells for long-distance peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR). This study reports an anisotropic topological ovalbumin (OVA) scaffold loaded with magnetically responsive nerve cells for the repair of long-distance PNI. Compared with traditional nerve scaffolds, this scaffold system can synergize the stimulating effect of an exogenous magnetic field and the oriented topological structure of the scaffold to accelerate nerve cells migration and nerve regeneration process via regulating PI3K, ERK, and Ca²⁺ signaling pathways. Moreover, the scaffold material can also provide the nutrients required for PNR, which is beneficial for the regeneration of long-term and long-distance nerve injuries and the functional reconstruction. Therefore, the strategy here provides new perspectives for long-distance PNI repair. This study is expected to provide an important experimental reference and theoretical basis for the development of novel functionalized tissue-engineered nerve grafts. Meanwhile, it also provides new ideas and strategies for the personalized treatment of patients with nerve injuries in clinical practice.