LAUSR

Abstract In this study, a novel hybrid scaffold made of transition metal was prepared on the base of graphene. After characterization of the synthetic Mo0.25Co1.257W0.25S3 hybridized with graphene oxide (MCWS/GO) using XRD, EDX, and FESEM, the cytotoxicity and the cell apoptosis of the composite were assumed using MTT and Annexin V/PI flow-cytometry methods, respectively. To treat spinal cord and sciatic nerve injuries, ethidium bromide induced damages was used in rats by T-10 to T-12 laminectomy and sciatic nerve stimulation. The spinal subarachnoid space was perfused with normal saline in control groups in comparison with using MoWCoS Graphene-based scaffold over the spinal cord and sciatic injuries which was diffused slowly. The regeneration of nerve tissues in the experiment was tested before and after using MCWS/GO by pathology, physiology and RT-qPCR of nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and p75 NTR tests. The results from the MTT and flow cytometry tests revealed that MCWS/GO did not have high toxicity and that the number of necrotic cells was low. There was a significant up-regulation in BDNF, NT3, and NGF genes expression in experimental groups while the p75 NTR was inversely down-regulated by using MCWS/GO. However, MCWS/GO actively regenerated nerve damages as revealed by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and von Frey filament tests. Recovery of behavioral reflexes appeared 2–5 weeks after MCWS/GO transplantation. The results showed that the inorganic scaffold represents a new class of Nanomaterial which can work in nerve regeneration. Our findings provide an impetus for further investigation of this kind of compound as a novel therapy for neural injuries which are considered as a beneficial source for the neurodegenerative diseases.