Harnessing three-dimensional porous chitosan microsphere embedded with adipose-derived stem cells to promote nerve regeneration

• Three-dimensional porous chitosan microspheres significantly enhance the proliferation, migration, and trophic factor secretion of adipose-derived stem cells compared to conventional 2D culture. • ADSC-loaded microcarriers within chitosan nerve conduits markedly improve functional recovery and nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve defect model. • The engineered microcarrier system offers a promising strategy to overcome the challenge of low cell survival in nerve guide conduits. • This approach holds high translational potential for clinical peripheral nerve repair, addressing limitations of autologous nerve grafts.