An Injectable and Modular NO‐Adaptive Delivery System for Modulating Regenerative Microenvironment in Long‐Segment Nerve Injury

X Xianzhen Dong (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province Wuhan China) H Hao Zhang J Junwei Su (Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China) K Kun Liu Z Ziqiang Li X Xinyue Liang Y Yuanfang Huo (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province Wuhan China) J Junwei Yang (School of Arts and Sciences) L Lesan Yan (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan 430070 China) A Aixi Yu (Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China) H Honglian Dai (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing and School of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan China)

Abstract

Abstract Repairing long‐segment peripheral nerve injuries remains a significant clinical challenge, hindered by oxidative stress, inflammation, insufficient revascularization, and limited axonal regeneration speeds. This study addresses these barriers by reconstructing the nerve regeneration microenvironment, enhancing cell migration, and accelerating axonal growth. An integrated regenerative microenvironment combining chemical signals, micro/nano structures, and electrical stimulation is developed. Specifically, nitric oxide (NO), a versatile signaling molecule, is dynamically released using sustained and responsive‐release strategies to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation effectively. Furthermore, a gelatin–lipoic acid–seleno‐lipoic acid (Gel‐LA‐SA) microgel‐based hydrogel is designed, forming interconnected macroporous scaffolds that significantly enhance cell infiltration and growth compared to traditional hydrogels. Additionally, a non‐invasive electroactive conduit is constructed to provide external electrical stimulation, promoting nerve cell migration and nerve growth factor secretion. Together, these elements guide axonal regeneration, support rapid revascularization, and enhance nutrient supply. By integrating NO signaling, advanced hydrogel scaffolds, and electrical stimulation, this multifunctional conduit effectively addresses the critical barriers to regenerating nerves across extensive defect sites, offering a promising approach for repairing long‐segment peripheral nerve injuries and providing insights into broader applications for neurological disease treatment and tissue regeneration.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 9
Published February 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (11)

X

Xianzhen Dong

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province Wuhan China

H

Hao Zhang

J

Junwei Su

Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China

K

Kun Liu

Z

Ziqiang Li

X

Xinyue Liang

Y

Yuanfang Huo

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei Province Wuhan China

J

Junwei Yang

School of Arts and Sciences

L

Lesan Yan

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan 430070 China

A

Aixi Yu

Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China

H

Honglian Dai

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing and School of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan China