Cavernous nerve injury (CNI), resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED), poses a significant threat to the quality of life for men. Strategies utilizing conductive hydrogels have demonstrated promising results for the treatment of peripheral nerves with a large diameter (>2 mm). However, integrating convenient minimally invasive operation, antiswelling and immunomodulatory conductive hydrogels for treating small-diameter injured cavernous nerves remains a great challenge. Here, a sprayable adhesive conductive hydrogel (GACM) composed of gelatin, adenine, carbon nanotubes, and mesaconate designed for cavernous nerve repair is developed. Multiple hydrogen bonds provide GACM with excellent adhesive and antiswelling properties, enabling it to establish a conformal electrical bridge with the damaged nerve and aiding in the regeneration process. Additionally, mesaconate-loaded GACM suppresses the release of inflammatory factors by macrophages and promotes the migration and proliferation of Schwann cells. In vivo tests demonstrate that the GACM hydrogel repairs the cavernous nerve and restores erectile function and fertility. Furthermore, the feasibility of sprayable GACM in minimally invasive robotic surgery in beagles is validated. Given the benefits of therapeutic effectiveness and clinical convenience, the research suggests a promising future for sprayable GACM materials as advanced solutions for minimally invasive nerve repair.
[1]South China Univ Technol, Natl Engn Res Ctr Tissue Restorat & Reconstruct, Guangzhou 510006, Peoples R China.
[2]South China Univ Technol, Sch Mat Sci & Engn, Guangzhou 510640, Peoples R China.
[3]Shandong First Med Univ, Shandong Prov Hosp, Dept Urol, Jinan 250021, Peoples R China.
[4]Sun Yat Sen Univ, Affiliated Hosp 7, Dept Urol, Shenzhen 518107, Peoples R China.
[5]Guangdong Univ Technol, Sch Electromech Engn, Guangzhou 510006, Peoples R China.
[6]China Japan Friendship Hosp, Dept Emergency, Beijing 100029, Peoples R China.
[7]South China Univ Technol, Key Lab Biomed Engn Guangdong Prov, Guangzhou 510006, Peoples R China.
(8.0+极速模式)