Toward the next generation of [[nerve guidance]] conduits (NGCs), novel [[biomaterial]]s and functionalization concepts are required to address clinical demands in [[peripheral nerve regeneration]] (PNR). As a biological [[polymer]] with bioactive motifs, [[gelatin]]ous [[peptide]]s are promising building blocks. In combination with an anhydride-containing [[oligomer]], a dual-component [[hydrogel]] system (cGEL) was established. First, hollow cGEL tubes were fabricated by a continuous dosing and templating process. [[Conduit]]s were characterized concerning their mechanical strength, in vitro and in vivo degradation and [[biocompatibility]]. Second, cGEL was reformulated as injectable shear thinning filler for established NGCs, here tyrosine-derived polycarbonate-based braided conduits. Thereby, the formulation contained the small molecule [[LM11A-31]]. The biofunctionalized cGEL filler was assessed regarding building block integration, mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, and growth permissive effects on human adipose tissue-derived stem cells. A positive in vitro evaluation motivated further application of the filler material in a sciatic nerve defect. Compared to the empty conduit and pristine cGEL, the functionalization performed superior, though the autologous nerve graft remains the gold standard. In conclusion, LM11A-31 functionalized cGEL filler with [[extracellular matrix]] (ECM)-like characteristics and specific biochemical cues holds great potential to support PNR
((Kohn-Polster C, Bhatnagar D, Woloszyn DJ, Richtmyer M, Starke A, Springwald AH, Franz S, Schulz-Siegmund M, Kaplan HM, Kohn J, Hacker MC. Dual-Component Gelatinous Peptide/Reactive Oligomer Formulations as Conduit Material and Luminal Filler for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 May 21;18(5):1104. doi: 10.3390/ijms18051104. PMID: 28531139; PMCID: PMC5455012.)).