In vivo and In vitro characterization of gelatin/beeswax nerve conduit with placental stem cells in peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve damage is recorded as the most common traumatic consequence of accidental injuries; this leads to a low quality of life. The poor efficacy of treatments makes treating cases of peripheral nerve injury a challenge. Several studies have been conducted in order to elevate the situation. Tissue engineering techniques, biomaterial scaffolds, suturing, cell-based therapies, growth factors and exosomes are already being used. In this study, a nerve conduit was developed using a 1.25 mm silicone tube that was dipped 6 times in 10% gelatin solution of Na2HPO4 and 3 times in raw beeswax, prepared using double broiler method at a constant rate of 30 seconds cross-alternatively. It was dried for 24 hours and then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, FTIR-IR, electrical conductivity, cytotoxic assay and cell viability and tensile strength tests. Male wistar rats were used as animal models of peripheral neve injury, and the nerve conduit of gelatin/beeswax was applied and placenta cells were injected into it. The animals were analyzed for behavioral , physiological, managemental and activity changes at a gap of 3 weeks regularly. Histological changes were also observed that showed remarkable regeneration, axonal growth and activity restoration. This study aims at providing an efficient biomaterial treatment for peripheral nerve injury to enhance quality of life in patients.