Researchers from Texas A&M International University and several Iranian universities have unveiled a novel approach to peripheral nerve tissue repair, employing injectable hyaluronic acid-based microparticles loaded with cannabidiol (CBD).
The study, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, highlights the potential of these biomimetic microparticles in regenerating damaged nerve tissue.
The team used a microfluidic device to create hydrogel microparticles through horseradish peroxidase-mediated crosslinking in a water-in-oil emulsion system. These microparticles, composed of phenol-substituted hyaluronic acid (HAPh), CBD, and laccase, exhibited favorable physical properties, including controlled swelling, mechanical durability, and sustained CBD release, making them ideal for tissue engineering and targeted drug delivery.
In cellular studies, the microparticles demonstrated cytocompatibility and supported cellular proliferation, while in vivo experiments on rats with sciatic nerve injuries showed significant improvements. Treated nerves displayed enhanced axonal restoration and remyelination compared to control groups. Functional assessments, such as improved functional sciatic index (SFI) scores, better responses to heat stimuli, and greater muscle mass retention, further underscored the microparticles’ effectiveness.
“In conclusion, results indicate that these composite biomimetic microparticles with CBD effectively promote nerve structural restoration and increase the reconstruction process in a sciatic nerve injury model”, states the study.
For the full text of this study, click here.
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