Designing scaffolds, with optimized microstructure and function for promoting the release of neuro-related factors, is significant in peripheral nerve regeneration. Herein, a series of hydroxypropyl chitosan/soy protein isolate composite sponges (HCSS) were fabricated by a freeze-drying technique. The physicochemical properties of the resultant HCSS were examined by a Fourier infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, water absorption assay, water retention assay, and compressive strength assay. The results indicated that HCSS exhibited an interconnected porous microstructure and a high water retention ratio with the increase in soy protein isolate (SPI) content. The biological characterization found that the HCSS-50 containing 50% SPI content profoundly promoted the proliferation of RSC96 cells and the secretion of neuro-related factors without excessive reactive oxygen species production. In addition, HCSS-50 could significantly promote the expression of neuro-related factors; for example, the expression of TGF-β was three times higher than that of the control group. Finally, an optimized HCSS-based conduit was fabricated from HCSS-50 to repair sciatic nerve injury in rats with the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) or BMSC-derived Schwann cells (SCs). The results suggested that the constructed HCSS-based conduit accompanying BMSC-derived SCs could effectively promote axonal regeneration and upregulate the expression of neuro-related factors such as Krox20, Zeb2, and GAP43. Collectively, a newly engineered nerve conduit system was developed by incorporating HCSS-50 and BMSC-derived SCs, which could be an alternative candidate for peripheral nerve regeneration. Impact statement Peripheral nerve repair is of paramount significance in the clinical. This work describes a hydroxypropyl chitosan/soy protein isolate conduit, which could effectively promote axonal regeneration and upregulate the expression of neuro-related factors. Thus, we provide a potential candidate for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Keywords: axonal regeneration; hydroxypropyl chitosan; nerve conduit; neuro-related factors; soy protein isolate.