Protective effect of an oriented PCL electrospun membrane loaded with red ginseng polysaccharides and magnetic nanoparticles against nerve injury of mice

Clinical neurological diseases often result in irreversible axonal damage and neuronal death, posing significant challenges for nerve regeneration. Red ginseng polysaccharide (RGP) possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that support neuronal repair. The synergistic effects of magnetic field (MF) and magnetic materials show great potential in enhancing nerve growth. Herein, an oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun membrane (PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄) carrying with RGP and Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was synthesized through electrospinning technology. This scaffold, combined with MF application, utilized the active components of RGP and Magneti-biological effect to facilitate neural tissue repair. Experimental results demonstrated that the synthesized PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄ exhibited favorable morphology, magnetic properties, and biocompatibility. Under a 5 mT MF, treatment with PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄ resulted in the observation of directional and elongated axons in cortical neurons, along with significant enhancements in cell viability and the mRNA level of BDNF and NGF. Subsequently, PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄ was applied to repair mice sciatic nerve injuries. Behavioral analysis indicated that mice motor activity significantly increased after PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄ treatment and paw withdrawal latency on day 14 significantly reduced. Furthermore, expression of BDNF and NGF were elevated compared to the injury group. In summary, PCL-RGP-Fe₃O₄ is expected to be a potential candidate for nerve repairment.