ChABC-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: A comprehensive study on biocompatibility, functional recovery, and axonal regeneration in animal model of spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the leading causes of physical disability. In this study, spherical PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) containing ChABC enzyme were manufactured and fully characterized for SCI therapy. The NPs were used in the rat's contused spinal cord to assess the functional improvement and scar digestion. Twenty-three adult male Wistar rats (275 ± 25 g) were assigned into four groups of control, sham, blank-treated particle, and ChABC-treated particle. Throughout the survey, the BBB scores were obtained for all the groups. Finally, the injured sections of animals were dissected, and histological studies were conducted using Luxol fast blue and Bielschowsky. The biocompatibility and non-toxicity effects of the NPs on olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) were confirmed by the MTT test. The flow-cytometry revealed the purity of cultured OECs with p75+/GFAP+ at around 87.9 ± 2.4%. Animals in the control and the blank-treated groups exhibited significantly lower BBB scores compared with the ChABC-treated particle group. Histological results confirmed the induced contusion models in the injured site. Myelin was observed in the treated groups, especially when the ChABC-loaded nanoparticles were utilized. The immunohistochemistry results indicated the scar glial degradation in animals treated by the ChABC-loaded particles. According to this study, the loaded particles can potentially serve as a suitable candidate for spinal cord repair, functional recovery and axonal regeneration.