Researchers at Nankai University and partner institutions fabricated a three-dimensional woven yarn scaffold from decellularized extracellular matrix to repair volumetric muscle loss, according to a study published in Nature Communications. The technique uses rotary-cut yarns to create an implant with complete interconnectivity, high porosity, and structural control.
Traditional decellularized matrix architectures often restrict cell movement. Their native structure impedes cellular infiltration, spatial organization, and immune coordination, which limits functional recovery after severe muscle trauma. The woven yarn design bypasses these physical limits to guide tissue growth in situ.
In murine volumetric muscle loss models, the yarn scaffold accelerated functional recovery. The treated mice showed marked gains in vascularization, nerve growth, muscle mass, and contractile strength restoration. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed decreased infiltration of SPP1+ neutrophils alongside an increase in CD206+/IGF-1+ macrophages. These macrophages boosted IGF-1 secretion, which stimulated PAX7+ muscle cell growth through amplified IGF-1R signaling.
The researchers confirmed the scaffold's regenerative performance and translational potential in a canine model of volumetric muscle loss. The authors reported that restructuring the matrix material into woven yarns establishes a viable platform for clinical muscle reconstruction.
The study involved contributors from Nankai University, Tianjin First Center Hospital, and Shanxi Medical University. Financial backing came from the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, and the Tianjin Science and Technology Program.
