Preparation and Biocompatibility of Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) Scaffold Materials for Nerve Conduits

Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (85/15) (PLGA) was synthesized by ring-opening co-polymerization and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). The PLGA conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration were fabricated and implanted into the transected sciatic nerve in rats. The biocompatibility test was carried out in vitro and in vivo. The extracts from PLGA are demonstrated to be non-cytotoxic, and the cells form confluent layers in medium containing extracts from PLGA after 2 weeks. The tissue response in vivo shows that the inflammatory response to PLGA continues to decrease, which indicates that PLGA has a good biocompatibility. The trial of the implant in vivo shows PLGA conduits in rats have the functions of bridging and promoting regeneration of injured peripheral nerve.