Peripheral nerve regeneration using a biodegradable conduit from açaí (Euterpe oleracea): a bio-based alternative to autografts

Barros, Rui Sergio Monteiro deSantos, Deivid Ramos dosYamaki, Vitor NagaiTeixeira, Renan Kleber CostaValente, André LopesSilveira, Tiago SantosDias, Carmen Gilda Barroso Tavares

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the regenerative efficacy of an experimental biodegradable nerve conduit composed of polycaprolactone and açaí-derived polyurethane, used for peripheral nerve repair, in comparison with different reconstructive techniques. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 48) were allocated into six groups (n = 8): normality (NG), denervated (DG), burial (BG), nerve autograft (NAG), açaí-based neurotube (ANG), and vein autograft (VAG). Sciatic functional index, electrophysiological parameters, and histomorphometry were assessed after 12 weeks. Results: NAG and ANG showed significant functional recovery, with ANG being the only group to demonstrate progressive improvement (p = 0.009). Electrophysiological analysis revealed higher amplitude and lower latency in NAG, followed by ANG and VAG. Histomorphometric analysis showed increased axonal density in ANG and NAG compared to non-reconstructed groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: The polycaprolactone/açaí-based conduit demonstrated regenerative performance comparable to autologous nerve grafts.