journal article·2026-01Open access

A Self‐Curling Si 3 N 4 ‐Biofunctionalized Nerve Wrap for Suture‐Free Peripheral Nerve Repair with Multimodal Regenerative Bioregulation

Pengchao Ma, Yihao Liu, Bowen Ren, Chun‐Yi Yang, Xiaobin Luo, Peilun Hu, Jia Yang, Zheng Cao, Keya Mao, Jianheng Liu, Xiumei Wang

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 7

Abstract

Abstract The treatment of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) faces dual challenges: inadequate bioactive regulation and suture‐induced inflammatory responses from mechanical stress concentration, critically impairing axonal regeneration. An integrated therapeutic system featuring a Si 3 N 4 (SN)‐reinforced bioactive collagen nerve wrap (SNC) combined with a nerve adhesive tape (NA) composed of polyethylene glycol diacrylate/dopamine‐grafted gelatin dual‐network hydrogel is developed. Through hydration‐activated shape memory and a staged adhesion mechanism, the SNC‐NA wrap system achieves instantaneous conduit formation, intraoperative repositioning, and stable nerve‐end approximation upon application to transected nerves. The sustained hydrolysis of SN generates bioactive ions (NH 4 + and SiO 4 4− ) that orchestrate multi‐targeted regulation, including immunomodulation, angiogenesis promotion, and Schwann cells (SCs) reprogramming. In vitro analyses revealed SN‐mediated SCs reprogramming modulation via MAPK, TNF‐α, and VEGF signaling pathways, enhancing cellular plasticity, immune coordination, and axonal regrowth guidance. In vivo results showed SN incorporation markedly enhanced nerve regeneration, with improved histology, electrophysiology, and functional recovery. The SNC‐NA wrap system achieved motor function restoration equivalent to autograft performance while providing unique surgical advantages through self‐curling adaptability and suture‐free application. This integrated approach addresses both mechanical and biological limitations of current PNI treatments, demonstrating SN bioactive ceramics as potent multi‐modal bioregulators with transformative clinical potential for nerve repair strategies.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nerve injury and regeneration · Wound Healing and Treatments · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of New Ceramic Materials Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China

Department of Orthopedics The Fourth Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing 100089 China

Center for Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Wuzhen Laboratory Tongxiang 314500 China

Department of Orthopedics Beijing Friendship Hospital Capital Medical University Beijing 100853 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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