Electrically Conductive and Topographically Engineered PLCL Nerve Guidance Conduits for Facial Nerve Regeneration

This study presents cylindrical nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) fabricated for facial nerve regeneration by integrating topographical and electrical cues. The inner surface exhibits a linear fiber pattern achieved via electric field‐assisted deposition, wherein fibers oriented within ±20° relative to the regeneration axis are 2.36‐fold more abundant than randomly oriented fibers. This aligned structure promotes the alignment of SH‐SY5Y neuronal and RSC96 Schwann cells and enhances neuronal differentiation. To introduce electrical functionality, conductive polymer hydrogels are developed by modifying gelatin methacryloyl with tannic acid and polypyrrole via semi‐interpenetrating network polymerization. Tannic acid incorporation increases ionic conductivity, supporting enhanced differentiation and alignment under electrical stimulation. Fabrication parameters, specifically plasma surface treatment and low‐temperature coating, are optimized to ensure uniform coating and adhesion on hydrophobic poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL) conduits. In a rat facial nerve defect model, these optimized conduits support early functional recovery, including whisker movement and the blink reflex. These preliminary findings suggest a time‐dependent synergistic mechanism in which the conductive hydrogel provides early electrical cues, while the aligned scaffold delivers sustained topographical guidance. Overall, this study establishes a proof‐of‐concept for bioelectrically active conduits, providing a foundation for future long‐term preclinical evaluations.