Development of GelMA-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds with Tunable Mechanical Properties for Applications in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

This study developed gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based hydrogel scaffolds with independently tunable mechanical, viscoelastic, and electrical properties for applications in peripheral nerve regeneration. By varying GelMA concentration and incorporating hyaluronic acid or single-walled carbon nanotubes, the authors precisely controlled pore architecture, compressive stiffness, viscoelastic response, and conductivity. Mechanical tuning was shown to strongly influence endothelial and Schwann cell viability, proliferation, and functional marker expression. Embedded 3D bioprinting enabled fabrication of multichannel scaffolds with high structural fidelity, demonstrating the potential of these composite hydrogels as customizable nerve repair platforms.