Electroactive Biodegradable Nerve Conduits Based on Alginate–Gelatine Polymer Matrix Modified With Inorganic Nanoparticles

ABSTRACT The impact of ZnO, fullerene C 60 and polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles (NPs) on hybrid nerve conduits was studied to evaluate their role in peripheral nerve repair. Alginate–gelatin (Alg/Gel) conduits were synthesized via 5‐fold freeze‐thaw cycles under ultrasound and loaded with the NPs. Their effects on swelling, porosity, hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and vitamin B12 permeability were analysed. Composites with 0.15 mg/mL PANI showed increased conductivity: Alg/Gel/PANI (0.208 S/m), ZnO/Alg/Gel/PANI (0.744 S/m) and C 60 /Alg/Gel/PANI (0.342 S/m), exceeding controls by 1.45–3.57 times. ZnO/Alg/Gel/PANI had the highest vitamin B12 permeability—55% over 7 days—due to its high porosity. Pure PANI showed low antioxidant activity (AOA, 17.6%), which rose to 46%–90% when combined with Alg and Gel. L929 cells remained viable in contact with all modified samples, indicating biocompatibility. Among the composites, C 60 /Alg/Gel/PANI displayed superior mechanical stability and enhanced nerve regeneration potential, highlighting its promise for long‐term use in functional nerve repair. Highlights Electrical conductivity increases up to 2 times in the presence of PANI, ZnO, fullerene C60 ZnO and C60 improve composites' mechanical stability and surface hydrophilicity The best permeability of vitamin B12 occurs through the ZnO/Alg/Gel/PANI wall In vivo in rat model study confirms the absence of toxicity and biocompatibility of composites