Interface modifiable bacterial cellulose hydrogel based nerve guidance conduit effectively rehabilitate sciatic nerve injured rat

Peripheral nerve injury accounts for 2–5% of all trauma admissions worldwide and is a significant clinical challenge. In this research, a novel nerve guidance conduit biomaterial based on a tungsten oxide nanomaterial-decorated oxidized bacterial cellulose hydrogel was developed for repairing sciatic nerve injury. The bacterial cellulose was oxidized by sodium periodate, and aldehyde functional groups were introduced to enhance its reactivity and biocompatibility. At the same time, the incorporation of the tungsten oxide nanomaterial not only significantly improved its antibacterial properties but also rendered the material antioxidant. The functional recovery of the sciatic nerve in the rat transection model was assessed by the sciatic functional index, gastrocnemius histological analysis, and nerve histological analysis. This bacterial cellulose/tungsten oxide nanoparticle hybrid hydrogel biocomposite can effectively promote sciatic axon regeneration, Schwann cell activity, and nerve function recovery. This novel biocomposite provides a new therapeutic strategy for the repair of a sciatic nerve injury.