Three-dimensional-printed collagen/chitosan/secretome derived from HUCMSCs scaffolds for efficient neural network reconstruction in canines with traumatic brain injury

The secretome secreted by stem cells and bioactive material has emerged as a promising therapeutic choice for traumatic brain injury (TBI). We aimed to determine the effect of 3D-printed collagen/chitosan/secretome derived from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells scaffolds (3D-CC-ST) on the injured tissue regeneration process. 3D-CC-ST was performed using 3D printing technology at a low temperature (-20°C), and the physical properties and degeneration rate were measured. The utilization of low temperature contributed to a higher cytocompatibility of fabricating porous 3D architectures that provide a homogeneous distribution of cells. Immediately after the establishment of the canine TBI model, 3D-CC-ST and 3D-CC (3D-printed collagen/chitosan scaffolds) were implanted into the cavity of TBI. Following implantation of scaffolds, neurological examination and motor evoked potential detection were performed to analyze locomotor function recovery. Histological and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate neuro-regeneration. The group treated with 3D-CC-ST had good performance of behavior functions. Implanting 3D-CC-ST significantly reduced the cavity area, facilitated the regeneration of nerve fibers and vessel reconstruction, and promoted endogenous neuronal differentiation and synapse formation after TBI. The implantation of 3D-CC-ST also markedly reduced cell apoptosis and regulated the level of systemic inflammatory factors after TBI.