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Hey G, Willman M, Patel A, Goutnik M, Willman J, Lucke-Wold B. Stem Cell Scaffolds for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury-A Review. BIOMECHANICS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:322-342. [PMID: 37664542 PMCID: PMC10469078 DOI: 10.3390/biomechanics3030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profoundly debilitating yet common central nervous system condition resulting in significant morbidity and mortality rates. Major causes of SCI encompass traumatic incidences such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Present treatment strategies for SCI aim to improve and enhance neurologic functionality. The ability for neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into diverse neural and glial cell precursors has stimulated the investigation of stem cell scaffolds as potential therapeutics for SCI. Various scaffolding modalities including composite materials, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and hydrogels have been explored. However, most trials remain largely in the preclinical stage, emphasizing the need to further develop and refine these treatment strategies before clinical implementation. In this review, we delve into the physiological processes that underpin NSC differentiation, including substrates and signaling pathways required for axonal regrowth post-injury, and provide an overview of current and emerging stem cell scaffolding platforms for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Hey
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Matthew Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Aashay Patel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michael Goutnik
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jonathan Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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2
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Yan L, Entezari A, Zhang Z, Zhong J, Liang J, Li Q, Qi J. An experimental and numerical study of the microstructural and biomechanical properties of human peripheral nerve endoneurium for the design of tissue scaffolds. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029416. [PMID: 36545684 PMCID: PMC9762494 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic design of scaffold architectures represents a promising strategy to enable the repair of tissue defects. Natural endoneurium extracellular matrix (eECM) exhibits a sophisticated microstructure and remarkable microenvironments conducive for guiding neurite regeneration. Therefore, the analysis of eECM is helpful to the design of bionic scaffold. Unfortunately, a fundamental lack of understanding of the microstructural characteristics and biomechanical properties of the human peripheral nerve eECM exists. In this study, we used microscopic computed tomography (micro-CT) to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) eECM model sourced from mixed nerves. The tensile strength and effective modulus of human fresh nerve fascicles were characterized experimentally. Permeability was calculated from a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of the 3D eECM model. Fluid flow of acellular nerve fascicles was tested experimentally to validate the permeability results obtained from CFD simulations. The key microstructural parameters, such as porosity is 35.5 ± 1.7%, tortuosity in endoneurium (X axis is 1.26 ± 0.028, Y axis is 1.26 ± 0.020 and Z axis is 1.17 ± 0.03, respectively), tortuosity in pore (X axis is 1.50 ± 0.09, Y axis is 1.44 ± 0.06 and Z axis is 1.13 ± 0.04, respectively), surface area-to-volume ratio (SAVR) is 0.165 ± 0.007 μm-1 and pore size is 11.8 ± 2.8 μm, respectively. These were characterized from the 3D eECM model and may exert different effects on the stiffness and permeability. The 3D microstructure of natural peripheral nerve eECM exhibits relatively lower permeability (3.10 m2 × 10-12 m2) than other soft tissues. These key microstructural and biomechanical parameters may play an important role in the design and fabrication of intraluminal guidance scaffolds to replace natural eECM. Our findings can aid the development of regenerative therapies and help improve scaffold design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Yan
- Department of Microsurgery, Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ali Entezari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia,School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhongpu Zhang
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jingxiao Zhong
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Microsurgery, Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Jian Qi, ; Qing Li,
| | - Jian Qi
- Department of Microsurgery, Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jian Qi, ; Qing Li,
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Liu K, Yan L, Li R, Song Z, Ding J, Liu B, Chen X. 3D Printed Personalized Nerve Guide Conduits for Precision Repair of Peripheral Nerve Defects. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103875. [PMID: 35182046 PMCID: PMC9036027 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of peripheral nerve defects has always been one of the most challenging clinical practices in neurosurgery. Currently, nerve autograft is the preferred treatment modality for peripheral nerve defects, while the therapy is constantly plagued by the limited donor, loss of donor function, formation of neuroma, nerve distortion or dislocation, and nerve diameter mismatch. To address these clinical issues, the emerged nerve guide conduits (NGCs) are expected to offer effective platforms to repair peripheral nerve defects, especially those with large or complex topological structures. Up to now, numerous technologies are developed for preparing diverse NGCs, such as solvent casting, gas foaming, phase separation, freeze-drying, melt molding, electrospinning, and three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D printing shows great potential and advantages because it can quickly and accurately manufacture the required NGCs from various natural and synthetic materials. This review introduces the application of personalized 3D printed NGCs for the precision repair of peripheral nerve defects and predicts their future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin University1 Xinmin StreetChangchun130061P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
| | - Lesan Yan
- Biomedical Materials and Engineering Research Center of Hubei ProvinceState Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and ProcessingWuhan University of Technology122 Luoshi RoadWuhan430070P. R. China
| | - Ruotao Li
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin University1 Xinmin StreetChangchun130061P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Song
- Department of Sports MedicineThe First Hospital of Jilin University1 Xinmin StreetChangchun130061P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of PolymersFudan University220 Handan RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Hand and Foot SurgeryThe First Hospital of Jilin University1 Xinmin StreetChangchun130061P. R. China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer EcomaterialsChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of Sciences5625 Renmin StreetChangchun130022P. R. China
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Siriwardane ML, Derosa K, Collins G, Pfister BJ. Engineering Fiber-Based Nervous Tissue Constructs for Axon Regeneration. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 210:105-117. [PMID: 34198287 DOI: 10.1159/000515549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomaterial-based scaffolds used in nerve conduits including channels for confining regenerating axons and 3-dimensional (3D) gels as substrates for growth have made improvements in models of nerve repair. Many biomaterial strategies, however, continue to fall short of autologous nerve grafts, which remain the current gold standard in repairing severe nerve lesions (<20 mm). Intraluminal nerve conduit fibers have also shown considerable promise in directing regenerating axons in vitro and in vivo and have gained increasing interest for nerve repair. It is unknown, however, how growing axons respond to a fiber when encountered in a 3D environment. In this study, we considered a construct consisting of a compliant collagen hydrogel matrix and a fiber component to assess contact-guided axon growth. We investigated preferential axon outgrowth on synthetic and natural polymer fibers by utilizing small-diameter microfibers of poly-L-lactic acid and type I collagen representing 2 different fiber stiffnesses. We found that axons growing freely in a 3D hydrogel culture preferentially attach, turn and follow fibers with outgrowth rates and distances that far exceed outgrowth in a hydrogel alone. Wet-spun type I collagen from rat tail tendon performed the best, associated with highly aligned and accelerated outgrowth. This study also evaluated the response of dorsal root ganglion neurons from adult rats to provide data more relevant to axon regenerative potential in nerve repair. We found that ECM treatments on fibers enhanced the regeneration of adult axons indicating that both the physical and biochemical presentation of the fibers are essential for enhancing axon guidance and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mevan L Siriwardane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kathleen Derosa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - George Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Bryan J Pfister
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Yan Z, Qian Y, Fan C. Biomimicry in 3D printing design: implications for peripheral nerve regeneration. Regen Med 2021; 16:683-701. [PMID: 34189955 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2020-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve guide conduits (NGCs) connect dissected nerve stumps and effectively repair short-range peripheral nerve defects. However, for long-range defects, autografts show better therapeutic effects, despite intrinsic limitations. Recent evidence shows that biomimetic design is essential for high-performance NGCs, and 3D printing is a promising fabricating technique. The current work includes a brief review of the challenges for peripheral nerve regeneration. The authors propose a potential solution using biomimetic 3D-printed NGCs as alternative therapies. The assessment of biomimetic designs includes microarchitecture, mechanical property, electrical conductivity and biologics inclusion. The applications of 3D printing in preparing NGCs and present strategies to improve therapeutic effects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Youth Science and Technology Innovation Studio, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Youth Science and Technology Innovation Studio, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Cunyi Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Orthopaedic Material Innovation and Tissue Regeneration, Shanghai, 200233, China.,Youth Science and Technology Innovation Studio, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
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Sueyoshi Y, Isogai N, Nagumo Y, Onodera Y, Teramura T, Asamura S, Kusuhara H. Efficacy of sliced nerves of different thickness in a biodegradable nerve conduit to promote Schwann cell migration and axonal growth: An experimental study in the rat model. Microsurgery 2021; 41:448-456. [PMID: 34008859 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the rat sciatic nerve model, sliced nerves of different thickness was combined to a biodegradable nerve conduit and the amount of nerve fragment necessary to promote nerve regeneration was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Harvested sciatic nerve (n = 6) was processed in sliced nerve of the different width; 2, 1, 0.5 mm, respectively. Western blot analysis was carried out to determine protein expression of Erk1/2. Subsequently, a total of 246 rats were used to create a 10 mm gap in the sciatic nerve. A polyglycolic acid-based nerve conduit was used to bridge the gap, with one sliced (width; 2, 1, 0.5 mm) or two (width; 1 mm × 2) incorporated within the conduit (n = 6 at each point in each group). At 2, 4, 8, and 20 weeks after surgery, samples were resected and subjected to immune-histological, transmission electron microscopic, and motor functional evaluation for nerve regeneration. RESULTS Western blot analysis demonstrated Erk1/2 expressions were significantly increased in the groups of 2-mm and 1-mm width and attenuated in the 0.5-mm width group (p < .05). The immune-histological study showed the migration of Schwann cells and axon elongation were significantly extended in the groups of 2-mm, 1-mm, and 1 mm × 2 width at 4 weeks (p < .01), in which nerve conduction velocity was marked at 20 weeks (p < .01) after implantation. CONCLUSION When nerve tissue was inserted in the biodegradable nerve conduit as a sliced nerve, the method of inserting two sheets with a slice width of 1 mm most strongly accelerated motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sueyoshi
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Noritaka Isogai
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nagumo
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Onodera
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Teramura
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichi Asamura
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Wakayama Medical School, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Kusuhara
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Song S, Wang X, Wang T, Yu Q, Hou Z, Zhu Z, Li R. Additive Manufacturing of Nerve Guidance Conduits for Regeneration of Injured Peripheral Nerves. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:590596. [PMID: 33102468 PMCID: PMC7546374 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.590596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As a common and frequent clinical disease, peripheral nerve defect has caused a serious social burden, which is characterized by poor curative effect, long course of treatment and high cost. Nerve autografting is first-line treatment of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) but can result in loss of function of the donor site, neuroma formation, and prolonged operative time. Nerve guidance conduit (NGC) serves as the most promising alternative to autologous transplantation, but its production process is complicated and it is difficult to effectively combine growth factors and bioactive substances. In recent years, additive manufacturing of NGCs has effectively solved the above problems due to its simple and efficient manufacturing method, and it can be used as the carrier of bioactive substances. This review examines recent advances in additive manufacture of NGCs for PNIs as well as insight into how these approaches could be improved in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochen Song
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuejie Wang
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Traumatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qinghua Yu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheyu Hou
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Joung D, Lavoie NS, Guo SZ, Park SH, Parr AM, McAlpine MC. 3D Printed Neural Regeneration Devices. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:10.1002/adfm.201906237. [PMID: 32038121 PMCID: PMC7007064 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201906237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Neural regeneration devices interface with the nervous system and can provide flexibility in material choice, implantation without the need for additional surgeries, and the ability to serve as guides augmented with physical, biological (e.g., cellular), and biochemical functionalities. Given the complexity and challenges associated with neural regeneration, a 3D printing approach to the design and manufacturing of neural devices could provide next-generation opportunities for advanced neural regeneration via the production of anatomically accurate geometries, spatial distributions of cellular components, and incorporation of therapeutic biomolecules. A 3D printing-based approach offers compatibility with 3D scanning, computer modeling, choice of input material, and increasing control over hierarchical integration. Therefore, a 3D printed implantable platform could ultimately be used to prepare novel biomimetic scaffolds and model complex tissue architectures for clinical implants in order to treat neurological diseases and injuries. Further, the flexibility and specificity offered by 3D printed in vitro platforms have the potential to be a significant foundational breakthrough with broad research implications in cell signaling and drug screening for personalized healthcare. This progress report examines recent advances in 3D printing strategies for neural regeneration as well as insight into how these approaches can be improved in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daeha Joung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Nicolas S. Lavoie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Shuang-Zhuang Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Sung Hyun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ann M. Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael C. McAlpine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Carvalho CR, Oliveira JM, Reis RL. Modern Trends for Peripheral Nerve Repair and Regeneration: Beyond the Hollow Nerve Guidance Conduit. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:337. [PMID: 31824934 PMCID: PMC6882937 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve repair and regeneration remains among the greatest challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Even though peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are capable of some degree of regeneration, frail recovery is seen even when the best microsurgical technique is applied. PNIs are known to be very incapacitating for the patient, due to the deprivation of motor and sensory abilities. Since there is no optimal solution for tackling this problem up to this day, the evolution in the field is constant, with innovative designs of advanced nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) being reported every day. As a basic concept, a NGC should act as a physical barrier from the external environment, concomitantly acting as physical guidance for the regenerative axons across the gap lesion. NGCs should also be able to retain the naturally released nerve growth factors secreted by the damaged nerve stumps, as well as reducing the invasion of scar tissue-forming fibroblasts to the injury site. Based on the neurobiological knowledge related to the events that succeed after a nerve injury, neuronal subsistence is subjected to the existence of an ideal environment of growth factors, hormones, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) factors. Therefore, it is known that multifunctional NGCs fabricated through combinatorial approaches are needed to improve the functional and clinical outcomes after PNIs. The present work overviews the current reports dealing with the several features that can be used to improve peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR), ranging from the simple use of hollow NGCs to tissue engineered intraluminal fillers, or to even more advanced strategies, comprising the molecular and gene therapies as well as cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana R. Carvalho
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, Guimarães, Portugal
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Yan L, Liu S, Qi J, Zhang Z, Zhong J, Li Q, Liu X, Zhu Q, Yao Z, Lu Y, Gu L. Three-dimensional reconstruction of internal fascicles and microvascular structures of human peripheral nerves. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 35:e3245. [PMID: 31370097 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biofabricated nanostructured and microstructured scaffolds have exhibited great potential for nerve tissue regeneration and functional restoration, and prevascularization and biotransportation within 3D fascicle structures are critical. Unfortunately, an ideal internal fascicle and microvascular model of human peripheral nerves is lacking. In this study, we used microcomputed tomography (microCT) to acquire high-resolution images of the human sciatic nerve. We propose a novel deep-learning network technique, called ResNetH3D-Unet, to segment fascicles and microvascular structures. We reconstructed 3D intraneural fascicles and microvascular topography to quantify the fascicle volume ratio (FVR), microvascular volume ratio (MVR), microvascular to fascicle volume ratio (MFVR), fascicle surface area to volume ratio (FSAVR), and microvascular surface area to volume ratio (MSAVR) of human samples. The frequency distributions of the fascicle diameter, microvascular diameter, and fascicle-to-microvasculature distance were analyzed. The obtained microCT analysis and reconstruction provided high-resolution microstructures of human peripheral nerves. Our proposed ResNetH3D-Unet method for fascicle and microvasculature segmentation yielded a mean intersection over union (IOU) of 92.1% (approximately 5% higher than the U-net IOU). The 3D reconstructed model showed that the internal microvasculature runs longitudinally within the internal epineurium and connects to the external vasculature at some points. Analysis of the 3D data indicated a 48.2 ± 3% FVR, 23.7 ± 1.8% MVR, 4.9 ± 0.5% MFVR, 7.26 ± 2.58 mm-1 FSAVR, and 1.52 ± 0.52 mm-1 MSAVR. A fascicle diameter of 0.98 mm, microvascular diameter of 0.125 mm, and microvasculature-to-fascicle distance of 0.196 mm were most frequent. This study provides fundamental data and structural references for designing bionic scaffolding constructs with 3D microvascular and fascicle distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Yan
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouliang Liu
- School of Data and Computer Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Computational Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Qi
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongpu Zhang
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jingxiao Zhong
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Qing Li
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingtang Zhu
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Data and Computer Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Computational Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiang Gu
- Department of Microsurgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Jahromi M, Razavi S, Bakhtiari A. The advances in nerve tissue engineering: From fabrication of nerve conduit to in vivo nerve regeneration assays. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:2077-2100. [PMID: 31350868 DOI: 10.1002/term.2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve damage is a common clinical complication of traumatic injury occurring after accident, tumorous outgrowth, or surgical side effects. Although the new methods and biomaterials have been improved recently, regeneration of peripheral nerve gaps is still a challenge. These injuries affect the quality of life of the patients negatively. In the recent years, many efforts have been made to develop innovative nerve tissue engineering approaches aiming to improve peripheral nerve treatment following nerve injuries. Herein, we will not only outline what we know about the peripheral nerve regeneration but also offer our insight regarding the types of nerve conduits, their fabrication process, and factors associated with conduits as well as types of animal and nerve models for evaluating conduit function. Finally, nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model by nerve conduits has been considered, and the main aspects that may affect the preclinical outcome have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Jahromi
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Razavi
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Bakhtiari
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Lotfi L, Khakbiz M, Moosazadeh Moghaddam M, Bonakdar S. A biomaterials approach to Schwann cell development in neural tissue engineering. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:2425-2446. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Lotfi
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of Tehran Tehran Iran
| | - Mehrdad Khakbiz
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of Tehran Tehran Iran
| | | | - Shahin Bonakdar
- National Cell Bank DepartmentPasteur Institute of Iran Tehran Iran
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13
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Shah MB, Chang W, Zhou G, Glavy JS, Cattabiani TM, Yu X. Novel spiral structured nerve guidance conduits with multichannels and inner longitudinally aligned nanofibers for peripheral nerve regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2019; 107:1410-1419. [PMID: 30265781 PMCID: PMC6438778 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are artificial substitutes for autografts, which serve as the gold standard in treating peripheral nerve injury. A recurring challenge in tissue engineered NGCs is optimizing the cross-sectional surface area to achieve a balance between allowing nerve infiltration while supporting maximum axonal extension from the proximal to distal stump. In this study, we address this issue by investigating the efficacy of an NGC with a higher cross-sectional surface composed of spiral structures and multi-channels, coupled with inner longitudinally aligned nanofibers and protein on aiding nerve repair in critical sized nerve defect. The NGCs were implanted into 15-mm-long rat sciatic nerve injury gaps for 4 weeks. Nerve regeneration was assessed using an established set of assays, including the walking track analysis, electrophysiological testing, pinch reflex assessment, gastrocnemius muscle measurement, and histological assessment. The results indicated that the novel NGC design yielded promising data in encouraging nerve regeneration within a relatively short recovery time. The performance of the novel NGC for nerve regeneration was superior to that of the control nerve conduits with tubular structures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1410-1419, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munish B. Shah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
| | - Gan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
| | - Joseph S. Glavy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fisch College of Pharmacy, University of Tyler, Tyler, Texas 75799
| | - Thomas M. Cattabiani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
| | - Xiaojun Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
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14
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Altinova H, Hammes S, Palm M, Gerardo-Nava J, Achenbach P, Deumens R, Hermans E, Führmann T, Boecker A, van Neerven SGA, Bozkurt A, Weis J, Brook GA. Fibroadhesive scarring of grafted collagen scaffolds interferes with implant-host neural tissue integration and bridging in experimental spinal cord injury. Regen Biomater 2019; 6:75-87. [PMID: 30967962 PMCID: PMC6447003 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbz006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a devastating and permanent loss of function, and is currently an incurable condition. It is generally accepted that future intervention strategies will require combinational approaches, including bioengineered scaffolds, to support axon growth across tissue scarring and cystic cavitation. Previously, we demonstrated that implantation of a microporous type-I collagen scaffold into an experimental model of SCI was capable of supporting functional recovery in the absence of extensive implant–host neural tissue integration. Here, we demonstrate the reactive host cellular responses that may be detrimental to neural tissue integration after implantation of collagen scaffolds into unilateral resection injuries of the adult rat spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated scattered fibroblast-like cell infiltration throughout the scaffolds as well as the presence of variable layers of densely packed cells, the fine processes of which extended along the graft–host interface. Few reactive astroglial or regenerating axonal profiles could be seen traversing this layer. Such encapsulation-type behaviour around bioengineered scaffolds impedes the integration of host neural tissues and reduces the intended bridging role of the implant. Characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning this behaviour will be pivotal in the future design of collagen-based bridging scaffolds intended for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haktan Altinova
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Police Headquarters Berlin, Medical Commission, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hammes
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Moniek Palm
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jose Gerardo-Nava
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pascal Achenbach
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ronald Deumens
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tobias Führmann
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arne Boecker
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Centre Trauma Centre, BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Burn Centre, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabien Geraldine Antonia van Neerven
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Burn Centre, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ahmet Bozkurt
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Burn Centre, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Burn Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, University Witten/Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gary Anthony Brook
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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15
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Dixon AR, Jariwala SH, Bilis Z, Loverde JR, Pasquina PF, Alvarez LM. Bridging the gap in peripheral nerve repair with 3D printed and bioprinted conduits. Biomaterials 2018; 186:44-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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16
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Sarker M, Naghieh S, McInnes AD, Schreyer DJ, Chen X. Regeneration of peripheral nerves by nerve guidance conduits: Influence of design, biopolymers, cells, growth factors, and physical stimuli. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 171:125-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Oatari M, Uehara M, Shimizu F. Evaluation of the effects of a polyglycolic acid-collagen tube in the regeneration of facial nerve defects in rats. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 41:664-669. [PMID: 29976126 DOI: 10.1177/0391398818783860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of a polyglycolic acid-collagen tube and to investigate its possible application in the field of facial nerve reconstruction. METHODS Wistar rats were used in this study. In the operation, a periauricular incision was made to expose the buccal and marginal branches of the facial nerve. Gaps of 10 mm were created by resection of a part of the nerve into the marginal branches and the buccal branch of the left facial nerve. The left marginal branch gap was bridged with a 10-mm polyglycolic acid-collagen tube or an autograft. At 12 weeks after the operation, nerve regeneration was assessed based on clinical, histopathological, and electrophysiological evaluations. RESULT The functional recovery of the vibrissal muscle was observed with the polyglycolic acid-collagen tube. However, the functional recovery obtained with the use of the polyglycolic acid-collagen tube was inferior to that obtained with an autograft. CONCLUSION We found that polyglycolic acid-collagen tubes could be applied in facial nerve gap reconstruction. However, further improvements will be necessary to achieve results that are equivalent to those obtained with autografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwako Oatari
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Oita University Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Miyuki Uehara
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Oita University Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Shimizu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Oita University Hospital, Oita, Japan
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18
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Sarker M, Naghieh S, McInnes AD, Schreyer DJ, Chen X. Strategic Design and Fabrication of Nerve Guidance Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Biotechnol J 2018; 13:e1700635. [PMID: 29396994 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have been drawing considerable attention as an aid to promote regeneration of injured axons across damaged peripheral nerves. Ideally, NGCs should include physical and topographic axon guidance cues embedded as part of their composition. Over the past decades, much progress has been made in the development of NGCs that promote directional axonal regrowth so as to repair severed nerves. This paper briefly reviews the recent designs and fabrication techniques of NGCs for peripheral nerve regeneration. Studies associated with versatile design and preparation of NGCs fabricated with either conventional or rapid prototyping (RP) techniques have been examined and reviewed. The effect of topographic features of the filler material as well as porous structure of NGCs on axonal regeneration has also been examined from the previous studies. While such strategies as macroscale channels, lumen size, groove geometry, use of hydrogel/matrix, and unidirectional freeze-dried surface are seen to promote nerve regeneration, shortcomings such as axonal dispersion and wrong target reinnervation still remain unsolved. On this basis, future research directions are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sarker
- Division of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of Saskatchewan, 57 campus drive, SK S7N 5A9, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Saman Naghieh
- Division of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of Saskatchewan, 57 campus drive, SK S7N 5A9, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adam D McInnes
- Division of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of Saskatchewan, 57 campus drive, SK S7N 5A9, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - David J Schreyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology College of Medicine University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
| | - Xiongbiao Chen
- Division of Biomedical Engineering College of Engineering University of Saskatchewan, 57 campus drive, SK S7N 5A9, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering College of Engineering University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
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19
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Newman KD, McLaughlin CR, Carlsson D, Li F, Liu Y, Griffith M. Bioactive Hydrogel-Filament Scaffolds for Nerve Repair and Regeneration. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 29:1082-91. [PMID: 17160966 DOI: 10.1177/039139880602901109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The design of novel biomaterials is crucial for the advancement of tissue engineering in nerve regeneration. In this study we developed and evaluated novel biosynthetic scaffolds comprising collagen crosslinked with a terpolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) as conduits for nerve growth. These collagen-terpolymer (collagen-TERP) scaffolds grafted with the laminin pentapeptide YIGSR were previously used as corneal substitutes in pigs and demonstrated enhanced nerve regeneration compared to allografts. The purpose of this project was to enhance neuronal growth on the collagen-TERP scaffolds through the incorporation of supporting fibers. Neuronal growth on these matrices was assessed in vitro using isolated dorsal root ganglia as a nerve source. Statistical significance was assessed using a one-way ANOVA. The incorporation of fibers into the collagen-TERP scaffolds produced a significant increase in neurite extension (p<0.05). The growth habit of the nerves varied with the type of fiber and included directional growth of the neurites along the surface of certain fiber types. Furthermore, the presence of fibers in the collagen-TERP scaffolds appeared to influence neurite morphology and function; neurites grown on fibers-incorporated collagen-TERP scaffolds expressed higher levels of Na channels compared to the scaffolds without fiber. Overall, our results suggest that incorporation of supporting fibers enhanced neurite outgrowth and that surface properties of the scaffold play an important role in promoting and guiding nerve regeneration. More importantly, this study demonstrates the potential value of tissue engineered collagen-TERP hybrid scaffolds as conduits in peripheral nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Newman
- University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa Hospital, General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Berkovitch Y, Cohen T, Peled E, Schmidhammer R, Florian H, Teuschl AH, Wolbank S, Yelin D, Redl H, Seliktar D. Hydrogel composition and laser micropatterning to regulate sciatic nerve regeneration. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:1049-1061. [PMID: 29096406 DOI: 10.1002/term.2606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of peripheral nerve injuries has evolved over the past several decades to include the use of sophisticated new materials endowed with trophic and topographical cues that are essential for in vivo nerve fibre regeneration. In this research, we explored the use of an advanced design strategy for peripheral nerve repair, using biological and semi-synthetic hydrogels that enable controlled environmental stimuli to regenerate neurons and glial cells in a rat sciatic nerve resection model. The provisional nerve growth conduits were composed of either natural fibrin or adducts of synthetic polyethylene glycol and fibrinogen or gelatin. A photo-patterning technique was further applied to these 3D hydrogel biomaterials, in the form of laser-ablated microchannels, to provide contact guidance for unidirectional growth following sciatic nerve injury. We tested the regeneration capacity of subcritical nerve gap injuries in rats treated with photo-patterned materials and compared these with injuries treated with unpatterned hydrogels, either stiff or compliant. Among the factors tested were shear modulus, biological composition, and micropatterning of the materials. The microchannel guidance patterns, combined with appropriately matched degradation and stiffness properties of the material, proved most essential for the uniform tissue propagation during the nerve regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Berkovitch
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,The Interdisciplinary Program for Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Talia Cohen
- The Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Peled
- The Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Orthopedic Surgery Division, Rambam Health Care Campus and The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Robert Schmidhammer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hildner Florian
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H Teuschl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dvir Yelin
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dror Seliktar
- The Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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21
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Wlaszczuk A, Marcol W, Kucharska M, Wawro D, Palen P, Lewin-Kowalik J. Poly(D,L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Tubes With Multifilament Chitosan Yarn or Chitosan Sponge Core in Nerve Regeneration. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2016; 74:2327.e1-2327.e12. [PMID: 27542542 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The influence of different kinds of nerve guidance conduits on regeneration of totally transected rat sciatic nerves through a 7-mm gap was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five different types of conduits made of chitosan and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were constructed and tested in vivo. We divided 50 animals into equal groups of 10, with a different type of conduit implanted in each group: chitosan sponge core with an average molecular mass of polymer (Mv) of 287 kDa with 7 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan sponge core with an Mv of 423 kDa with 7 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan sponge core (Mv, 423 kDa) with 13 channels in a PLGA sleeve, chitosan multifilament yarn in a PLGA sleeve, and a PLGA sleeve only. Seven weeks after the operation, we examined the distance covered by regenerating nerve fibers, growing of nerves into the conduit's core, and intensity and type of inflammatory reaction in the conduit, as well as autotomy behavior (reflecting neuropathic pain intensity) in the animals. RESULTS Two types of conduits were allowing nerve outgrowth through the gap with minor autotomy and minor inflammatory reactions. These were the conduits with chitosan multifilament yarn in a PLGA sleeve and the conduits with 13-channel microcrystalline chitosan sponge in a PLGA sleeve. CONCLUSIONS The type of chitosan used to build the nerve guidance conduit influences the intensity and character of inflammatory reaction present during nerve regeneration, which in turn affects the distance crossed by regenerating nerve fibers, growing of the nerve fibers into the conduit's core, and the intensity of autotomy in the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wlaszczuk
- Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Wiesław Marcol
- Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Kucharska
- Assistant Professor, Biomaterials, Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wawro
- Assistant Professor, Fibres from Natural Polymers, Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Palen
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Full Professor, Department Head, Department of Physiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Li Z, Qin H, Feng Z, Liu W, Zhou Y, Yang L, Zhao W, Li Y. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-loaded amniotic membrane for the repair of radial nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:3441-8. [PMID: 25206667 PMCID: PMC4146003 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.36.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells onto human amniotic membrane with epithelial cells to prepare nerve conduits, i.e., a relatively closed nerve regeneration chamber. After neurolysis, the injured radial nerve was enwrapped with the prepared nerve conduit, which was fixed to the epineurium by sutures, with the cell on the inner surface of the conduit. Simultaneously, a 1.0 mL aliquot of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell suspension was injected into the distal and proximal ends of the injured radial nerve with 1.0 cm intervals. A total of 1.75 × 107 cells were seeded on the amniotic membrane. In the control group, patients received only neurolysis. At 12 weeks after cell transplantation, more than 80% of patients exhibited obvious improvements in muscular strength, and touch and pain sensations. In contrast, these improvements were observed only in 55–65% of control patients. At 8 and 12 weeks, muscular electrophysiological function in the region dominated by the injured radial nerve was significantly better in the transplantation group than the control group. After cell transplantation, no immunological rejections were observed. These findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-loaded amniotic membrane can be used for the repair of radial nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110024, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Clinical Hospital of Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zishan Feng
- Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110024, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110024, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lifeng Yang
- Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110024, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110024, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Youjun Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Norman Bethune University of Medical Science, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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23
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Altinova H, Möllers S, Führmann T, Deumens R, Bozkurt A, Heschel I, Damink LHHO, Schügner F, Weis J, Brook GA. Functional improvement following implantation of a microstructured, type-I collagen scaffold into experimental injuries of the adult rat spinal cord. Brain Res 2014; 1585:37-50. [PMID: 25193604 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The formation of cystic cavitation following severe spinal cord injury (SCI) constitutes one of the major barriers to successful axonal regeneration and tissue repair. The development of bioengineered scaffolds that assist in the bridging of such lesion-induced gaps may contribute to the formulation of combination strategies aimed at promoting functional tissue repair. Our previous in vitro investigations have demonstrated the directed axon regeneration and glial migration supporting properties of microstructured collagen scaffold that had been engineered to possess mechanical properties similar to those of spinal cord tissues. Here, the effect of implanting the longitudinally orientated scaffold into unilateral resection injuries (2mm long) of the mid-cervical lateral funiculus of adult rats has been investigated using behavioural and correlative morphological techniques. The resection injuries caused an immediate and long lasting (up to 12 weeks post injury) deficit of food pellet retrieval by the ipsilateral forepaw. Implantation of the orientated collagen scaffold promoted a significant improvement in pellet retrieval by the ipsilateral forepaw at 6 weeks which continued to improve up to 12 weeks post injury. In contrast, implantation of a non-orientated gelatine scaffold did not result in significant functional improvement. Surprisingly, the improved motor performance was not correlated with the regeneration of lesioned axons through the implanted scaffold. This observation supports the notion that biomaterials may support functional recovery by mechanisms other than simple bridging of the lesion site, such as the local sprouting of injured, or even non-injured fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haktan Altinova
- Department of Neurology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelic Hospital Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany; Institute for Neuropathology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Sven Möllers
- Department of Neurology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; RNL Europe GmbH, Kleinmachnow, Germany
| | - Tobias Führmann
- Department of Neurology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ronald Deumens
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Neuropathology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance - Translational Brain Medicine (JARA Brain), Germany
| | - Ahmet Bozkurt
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Burn Centre, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute for Neuropathology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance - Translational Brain Medicine (JARA Brain), Germany
| | | | | | | | - Joachim Weis
- Institute for Neuropathology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance - Translational Brain Medicine (JARA Brain), Germany
| | - Gary A Brook
- Department of Neurology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute for Neuropathology, Uniklinik Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance - Translational Brain Medicine (JARA Brain), Germany
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Jeffries EM, Wang Y. Incorporation of parallel electrospun fibers for improved topographical guidance in 3D nerve guides. Biofabrication 2013; 5:035015. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5082/5/3/035015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Ikeda M, Uemura T, Takamatsu K, Okada M, Kazuki K, Tabata Y, Ikada Y, Nakamura H. Acceleration of peripheral nerve regeneration using nerve conduits in combination with induced pluripotent stem cell technology and a basic fibroblast growth factor drug delivery system. J Biomed Mater Res A 2013; 102:1370-8. [PMID: 23733515 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Various modifications including addition of Schwann cells or incorporation of growth factors with bioabsorbable nerve conduits have been explored as options for peripheral nerve repair. However, no reports of nerve conduits containing both supportive cells and growth factors have been published as a regenerative therapy for peripheral nerves. In the present study, sciatic nerve gaps in mice were reconstructed in the following groups: nerve conduit alone (control group), nerve conduit coated with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSc)-derived neurospheres (iPSc group), nerve conduit coated with iPSc-derived neurospheres and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-incorporated gelatin microspheres (iPSc + bFGF group), and autograft. The fastest functional recovery and the greatest axon regeneration occurred in the autograft group, followed in order by the iPSc + bFGF group, iPSc group, and control group until 12 weeks after reconstruction. Thus, peripheral nerve regeneration using nerve conduits and functional recovery in mice was accelerated by a combination of iPSc-derived neurospheres and a bFGF drug delivery system. The combination of all three fundamental methodologies, iPSc technology for supportive cells, bioabsorbable nerve conduits for scaffolds, and a bFGF drug delivery system for growth factors, was essential for peripheral nerve regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikinori Ikeda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Gambarotta G, Fregnan F, Gnavi S, Perroteau I. Neuregulin 1 role in Schwann cell regulation and potential applications to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 108:223-56. [PMID: 24083437 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-410499-0.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a multifunctional and versatile protein: its numerous isoforms can signal in a paracrine, autocrine, or juxtacrine manner, playing a fundamental role during the development of the peripheral nervous system and during the process of nerve repair, suggesting that the treatment with NRG1 could improve functional outcome following injury. Accordingly, the use of NRG1 in vivo has already yielded encouraging results. The aim of this review is to focus on the role played by the different NRG1 isoforms during peripheral nerve regeneration and remyelination and to identify good candidates to be used for the development of tissue engineered medical devices delivering NRG1, with the objective of promoting better nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Gambarotta
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Gonzalez-Perez F, Udina E, Navarro X. Extracellular matrix components in peripheral nerve regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 108:257-75. [PMID: 24083438 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-410499-0.00010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Injured axons of the peripheral nerve are able to regenerate and, eventually, reinnervate target organs. However, functional recovery is usually poor after severe nerve injuries. The switch of Schwann cells to a proliferative state, secretion of trophic factors, and the presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (such as collagen, laminin, or fibronectin) in the distal stump are key elements to create a permissive environment for axons to grow. In this review, we focus attention on the ECM components and their tropic role in axonal regeneration. These components can also be used as molecular cues to guide the axons through artificial nerve guides in attempts to better mimic the natural environment found in a degenerating nerve. Most used scaffolds tested are based on natural molecules that form the ECM, but use of synthetic polymers and functionalization of hydrogels are bringing new options. Progress in tissue engineering will eventually lead to the design of composite artificial nerve grafts that may replace the use of autologous nerve grafts to sustain regeneration over long gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Gonzalez-Perez
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
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Daly WT, Yao L, Abu-rub MT, O'Connell C, Zeugolis DI, Windebank AJ, Pandit AS. The effect of intraluminal contact mediated guidance signals on axonal mismatch during peripheral nerve repair. Biomaterials 2012; 33:6660-71. [PMID: 22738778 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The current microsurgical gold standard for repairing long gap nerve injuries is the autograft. Autograft provides a protective environment for repair and a natural internal architecture, which is essential for regeneration. Current clinically approved hollow nerve guidance conduits allow provision of this protective environment; however they fail to provide an essential internal architecture to the regenerating nerve. In the present study both structured and unstructured intraluminal collagen fibres are investigated to assess their ability to enhance conduit mediated nerve repair. This study presents a direct comparison of both structured and unstructured fibres in vivo. The addition of intraluminal guidance structures was shown to significantly decrease axonal dispersion within the conduit and reduced axonal mismatch of distal nerve targets (p < 0.05). The intraluminal fibres were shown to be successfully incorporated into the host regenerative process, acting as a platform for Schwann cell migration and axonal regeneration. Ultimately the fibres were able to provide a platform for nerve regeneration in a long term regeneration study (16 weeks) and facilitated increased guidance of regenerating axons towards their distal nerve targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Daly
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Jiang X, Mi R, Hoke A, Chew SY. Nanofibrous nerve conduit-enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2012; 8:377-85. [PMID: 22700359 DOI: 10.1002/term.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fibre structures represent a potential class of materials for the formation of synthetic nerve conduits due to their biomimicking architecture. Although the advantages of fibres in enhancing nerve regeneration have been demonstrated, in vivo evaluation of fibre size effect on nerve regeneration remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the effects of fibre diameter of electrospun conduits on peripheral nerve regeneration across a 15-mm critical defect gap in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. By using an electrospinning technique, fibrous conduits comprised of aligned electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers (981 ± 83 nm, Microfiber) or nanofibers (251 ± 32 nm, Nanofiber) were obtained. At three months post implantation, axons regenerated across the defect gap in all animals that received fibrous conduits. In contrast, complete nerve regeneration was not observed in the control group that received empty, non-porous PCL film conduits (Film). Nanofiber conduits resulted in significantly higher total number of myelinated axons and thicker myelin sheaths compared to Microfiber and Film conduits. Retrograde labeling revealed a significant increase in number of regenerated dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons in the presence of Nanofiber conduits (1.93 ± 0.71 × 10(3) vs. 0.98 ± 0.30 × 10(3) in Microfiber, p < 0.01). In addition, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were higher and distal motor latency values were lower in the Nanofiber conduit group compared to the Microfiber group. This study demonstrated the impact of fibre size on peripheral nerve regeneration. These results could provide useful insights for future nerve guide designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Jiang
- Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
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30
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Advances in natural biomaterials for nerve tissue repair. Neurosci Lett 2012; 519:103-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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The fundamental role of subcellular topography in peripheral nerve repair therapies. Biomaterials 2012; 33:4264-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Daly W, Yao L, Zeugolis D, Windebank A, Pandit A. A biomaterials approach to peripheral nerve regeneration: bridging the peripheral nerve gap and enhancing functional recovery. J R Soc Interface 2011; 9:202-21. [PMID: 22090283 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2011.0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsurgical techniques for the treatment of large peripheral nerve injuries (such as the gold standard autograft) and its main clinically approved alternative--hollow nerve guidance conduits (NGCs)--have a number of limitations that need to be addressed. NGCs, in particular, are limited to treating a relatively short nerve gap (4 cm in length) and are often associated with poor functional recovery. Recent advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering approaches are seeking to overcome the limitations associated with these treatment methods. This review critically discusses the advances in biomaterial-based NGCs, their limitations and where future improvements may be required. Recent developments include the incorporation of topographical guidance features and/or intraluminal structures, which attempt to guide Schwann cell (SC) migration and axonal regrowth towards their distal targets. The use of such strategies requires consideration of the size and distribution of these topographical features, as well as a suitable surface for cell-material interactions. Likewise, cellular and molecular-based therapies are being considered for the creation of a more conductive nerve microenvironment. For example, hurdles associated with the short half-lives and low stability of molecular therapies are being surmounted through the use of controlled delivery systems. Similarly, cells (SCs, stem cells and genetically modified cells) are being delivered with biomaterial matrices in attempts to control their dispersion and to facilitate their incorporation within the host regeneration process. Despite recent advances in peripheral nerve repair, there are a number of key factors that need to be considered in order for these new technologies to reach the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Daly
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB), National University of Ireland, Newcastle Road, Dangan, Galway, Republic of Ireland
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Gu X, Ding F, Yang Y, Liu J. Construction of tissue engineered nerve grafts and their application in peripheral nerve regeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 93:204-30. [PMID: 21130136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Surgical repair of severe peripheral nerve injuries represents not only a pressing medical need, but also a great clinical challenge. Autologous nerve grafting remains a golden standard for bridging an extended gap in transected nerves. The formidable limitations related to this approach, however, have evoked the development of tissue engineered nerve grafts as a promising alternative to autologous nerve grafts. A tissue engineered nerve graft is typically constructed through a combination of a neural scaffold and a variety of cellular and molecular components. The initial and basic structure of the neural scaffold that serves to provide mechanical guidance and optimal environment for nerve regeneration was a single hollow nerve guidance conduit. Later there have been several improvements to the basic structure, especially introduction of physical fillers into the lumen of a hollow nerve guidance conduit. Up to now, a diverse array of biomaterials, either of natural or of synthetic origin, together with well-defined fabrication techniques, has been employed to prepare neural scaffolds with different structures and properties. Meanwhile different types of support cells and/or growth factors have been incorporated into the neural scaffold, producing unique biochemical effects on nerve regeneration and function restoration. This review attempts to summarize different nerve grafts used for peripheral nerve repair, to highlight various basic components of tissue engineered nerve grafts in terms of their structures, features, and nerve regeneration-promoting actions, and finally to discuss current clinical applications and future perspectives of tissue engineered nerve grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, JS 226001, PR China.
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Deumens R, Bozkurt A, Meek MF, Marcus MAE, Joosten EAJ, Weis J, Brook GA. Repairing injured peripheral nerves: Bridging the gap. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 92:245-76. [PMID: 20950667 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries that induce gaps larger than 1-2 cm require bridging strategies for repair. Autologous nerve grafts are still the gold standard for such interventions, although alternative treatments, as well as treatments to improve the therapeutic efficacy of autologous nerve grafting are generating increasing interest. Investigations are still mostly experimental, although some clinical studies have been undertaken. In this review, we aim to describe the developments in bridging technology which aim to replace the autograft. A multi-disciplinary approach is of utmost importance to develop and optimise treatments of the most challenging peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Deumens
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Jiang X, Lim SH, Mao HQ, Chew SY. Current applications and future perspectives of artificial nerve conduits. Exp Neurol 2009; 223:86-101. [PMID: 19769967 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Artificial nerve guide conduits have the advantage over autografts in terms of their availability and ease of fabrication. However, clinical outcomes associated with the use of artificial nerve conduits are often inferior to that of autografts, particularly over long lesion gaps. There have been significant advances in the designs of artificial nerve conduits over the years. In terms of materials selection and design, a wide variety of new synthetic polymers and biopolymers have been evaluated. The inclusion of nerve conduit lumen fillers has also been demonstrated as essential to enable nerve regeneration across large defect gaps. These lumen filler designs have involved the integration of physical cues for contact guidance and biochemical signals to control cellular function and differentiation. Novel conduit architectural designs using porous and fibrous substrates have also been developed. This review highlights the recent advances in synthetic nerve guide designs for peripheral nerve regeneration, and the in vivo applicability and future prospects of these nerve guide conduits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Jiang
- School of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Block N1.2-B2-20, Singapore 637459, Singapore
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36
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de Ruiter GCW, Malessy MJA, Yaszemski MJ, Windebank AJ, Spinner RJ. Designing ideal conduits for peripheral nerve repair. Neurosurg Focus 2009; 26:E5. [PMID: 19435445 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2009.26.2.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nerve tubes, guides, or conduits are a promising alternative for autologous nerve graft repair. The first biodegradable empty single lumen or hollow nerve tubes are currently available for clinical use and are being used mostly in the repair of small-diameter nerves with nerve defects of < 3 cm. These nerve tubes are made of different biomaterials using various fabrication techniques. As a result these tubes also differ in physical properties. In addition, several modifications to the common hollow nerve tube (for example, the addition of Schwann cells, growth factors, and internal frameworks) are being investigated that may increase the gap that can be bridged. This combination of chemical, physical, and biological factors has made the design of a nerve conduit into a complex process that demands close collaboration of bioengineers, neuroscientists, and peripheral nerve surgeons. In this article the authors discuss the different steps that are involved in the process of the design of an ideal nerve conduit for peripheral nerve repair.
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37
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Möllers S, Heschel I, Damink LHHO, Schügner F, Deumens R, Müller B, Bozkurt A, Nava JG, Noth J, Brook GA. Cytocompatibility of a novel, longitudinally microstructured collagen scaffold intended for nerve tissue repair. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 15:461-72. [PMID: 18724829 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2007.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic injury to the nervous system induces functional deficits as a result of axonal destruction and the formation of scar tissue, cystic cavitation, and physical gaps. Bioengineering bridging materials should ideally act as cell carriers for the implantation of axon growth-promoting glia, as well as supporting integration with host cell types. Here, we describe the cytocompatibility of a novel, micro-structured porcine collagen scaffold containing densely packed and highly orientated channels that, in three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture, supports attachment, proliferation, aligned process extension, and directed migration by populations of glial cells (olfactory nerve ensheathing cells and astrocytes) and orientated axonal growth by neurons (differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line). The seeded glia required several weeks to penetrate deeply into the highly porous scaffold, where they adopted an orientated morphology similar to that displayed in simple 2D cultures. The direct interaction between SH-SY5Y-derived nerve fibers and the collagen scaffold also resulted in highly orientated axonal growth. It is likely that biocompatible scaffolds that are capable of promoting glial cell attachment, migration, and highly orientated process outgrowth will be important for future repair strategies for traumatically injured nervous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Möllers
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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38
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de Ruiter GCW, Spinner RJ, Yaszemski MJ, Windebank AJ, Malessy MJA. Nerve tubes for peripheral nerve repair. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2009; 20:91-105, vii. [PMID: 19064182 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The concept of the nerve tube has been a major topic of research in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration for more than 25 years. The first nerve tubes are currently available for clinical use. This article gives an overview of the experimental and clinical data on nerve tubes for peripheral nerve repair and critically analyzes the data on which the step from laboratory to clinical use is based. In addition, it briefly discusses the different modifications to the common single lumen nerve tubes that may improve the results of generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godard C W de Ruiter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Gerardo-Nava J, Führmann T, Klinkhammer K, Seiler N, Mey J, Klee D, Möller M, Dalton PD, Brook GA. Human neural cell interactions with orientated electrospun nanofibers in vitro. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2009; 4:11-30. [PMID: 19093893 DOI: 10.2217/17435889.4.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Electrospun nanofibers represent potent guidance substrates for nervous tissue repair. Development of nanofiber-based scaffolds for CNS repair requires, as a first step, an understanding of appropriate neural cell type-substrate interactions. MATERIALS & METHODS Astrocyte-nanofiber interactions (e.g., adhesion, proliferation, process extension and migration) were studied by comparing human neural progenitor-derived astrocytes (hNP-ACs) and a human astrocytoma cell line (U373) with aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers or blended (25% type I collagen/75% PCL) nanofibers. Neuron-nanofiber interactions were assessed using a differentiated human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). RESULTS & DISCUSSION U373 cells and hNP-AC showed similar process alignment and length when associated with PCL or Type I collagen/PCL nanofibers. Cell adhesion and migration by hNP-AC were clearly improved by functionalization of nanofiber surfaces with type I collagen. Functionalized nanofibers had no such effect on U373 cells. Another clear difference between the U373 cells and hNP-AC interactions with the nanofiber substrate was proliferation; the cell line demonstrating strong proliferation, whereas the hNP-AC line showed no proliferation on either type of nanofiber. Long axonal growth (up to 600 microm in length) of SH-SY5Y neurons followed the orientation of both types of nanofibers even though adhesion of the processes to the fibers was poor. CONCLUSION The use of cell lines is of only limited predictive value when studying cell-substrate interactions but both morphology and alignment of human astrocytes were affected profoundly by nanofibers. Nanofiber surface functionalization with collagen significantly improved hNP-AC adhesion and migration. Alternative forms of functionalization may be required for optimal axon-nanofiber interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Gerardo-Nava
- Institute for Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
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40
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Bozkurt A, Deumens R, Beckmann C, Olde Damink L, Schügner F, Heschel I, Sellhaus B, Weis J, Jahnen-Dechent W, Brook GA, Pallua N. In vitro cell alignment obtained with a Schwann cell enriched microstructured nerve guide with longitudinal guidance channels. Biomaterials 2008; 30:169-79. [PMID: 18922575 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic benefits of autologous nerve grafting in repair of peripheral nerve lesions have not been reached using any alternative nerve guide. Nevertheless, issues of co-morbidity and limited availability of donor nerves urgently ask for a need of bioartificial nerve guides which could either replace or complement autologous nerve grafts. It is increasingly appreciated that optimal nerve guides comprise both physical and molecular cues in support of peripheral axon regeneration. Now, we present a collagen-based microstructured 3D nerve guide containing numerous longitudinal guidance channels with dimensions resembling natural endoneurial tubes. Moreover, these nerve guides could be functionalized by Schwann cell (SC) seeding. Viable SCs did not only adhere to the nerve guide, but also migrated throughout the guidance channels. Of particular importance was the observation that SCs within the guidance channels formed cellular columns reminiscent of "Bands of Büngner", which are crucial structures in the natural process of peripheral nerve regeneration during the Wallerian degeneration. We, therefore, conclude that our orientated 3D nerve guides (decorated with SCs) with their physical and molecular properties may hold great promise in the repair of peripheral nerve lesion and serve as a basis for future experimental regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bozkurt
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hand and Burn Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
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Nomura H, Zahir T, Kim H, Katayama Y, Kulbatski I, Morshead CM, Shoichet MS, Tator CH. Extramedullary Chitosan Channels Promote Survival of Transplanted Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells and Create a Tissue Bridge After Complete Spinal Cord Transection. Tissue Eng Part A 2008; 14:649-65. [DOI: 10.1089/tea.2007.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nomura
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tasneem Zahir
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Kim
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Iris Kulbatski
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Molly S. Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles H. Tator
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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42
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Bozkurt A, Brook GA, Moellers S, Lassner F, Sellhaus B, Weis J, Woeltje M, Tank J, Beckmann C, Fuchs P, Damink LO, Schügner F, Heschel I, Pallua N. In Vitro Assessment of Axonal Growth Using Dorsal Root Ganglia Explants in a Novel Three-Dimensional Collagen Matrix. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 13:2971-9. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.2007.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bozkurt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gary A. Brook
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Moellers
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Sellhaus
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Julian Tank
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christina Beckmann
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Paul Fuchs
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Norbert Pallua
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Center, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Marchesi C, Pluderi M, Colleoni F, Belicchi M, Meregalli M, Farini A, Parolini D, Draghi L, Fruguglietti ME, Gavina M, Porretti L, Cattaneo A, Battistelli M, Prelle A, Moggio M, Borsa S, Bello L, Spagnoli D, Gaini SM, Tanzi MC, Bresolin N, Grimoldi N, Torrente Y. Skin-derived stem cells transplanted into resorbable guides provide functional nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve resection. Glia 2007; 55:425-38. [PMID: 17203471 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is often incomplete and the treatment of severe lesions with nerve tissue loss is primarily aimed at recreating nerve continuity. Guide tubes of various types, filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, or nerve growth factors are attractive as an alternative therapy to nerve grafts. In this study, we evaluated whether skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs) can improve peripheral nerve regeneration after transplantation into nerve guides. We compared peripheral nerve regeneration in adult rats with sciatic nerve gaps of 16 mm after autologous transplantation of GFP-labeled SDSCs into two different types of guides: a synthetic guide, obtained by dip coating with a L-lactide and trimethylene carbonate (PLA-TMC) copolymer and a collagen-based guide. The sciatic function index and the recovery rates of the compound muscle action potential were significantly higher in the animals that received SDSCs transplantation, in particular, into the collagen guide, compared to the control guides filled only with PBS. For these guides the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an increased number of myelinated axons expressing S100 and Neurofilament 70, suggesting the presence of regenerating nerve fibers along the gap. GFP positive cells were found around regenerating nerve fibers and few of them were positive for the expression of glial markers as S-100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of S100 and myelin basic protein in the animals treated with the collagen guide filled with SDSCs. These data support the hypothesis that SDSCs could represent a tool for future cell therapy applications in peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Marchesi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Mangiagalli e Regina Elena of Milan, Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, University of Milan, Italy
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Brown RA, Phillips JB. Cell responses to biomimetic protein scaffolds used in tissue repair and engineering. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2007; 262:75-150. [PMID: 17631187 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(07)62002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Basic science research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aims to investigate and understand the deposition, growth, and remodeling of tissues by drawing together approaches from a range of disciplines. This review discusses approaches that use biomimetic proteins and cellular therapies, both in the development of clinical products and of model platforms for scientific investigation. Current clinical approaches to repairing skin, bone, nerve, heart valves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons are described and their limitations identified. Opportunities and key questions for achieving clinical goals are discussed through commonly used examples of biomimetic scaffolds: collagen, fibrin, fibronectin, and silk. The key questions addressed by three-dimensional culture models, biomimetic materials, surface chemistry, topography, and their interaction with cells in terms of durotaxis, mechano-regulation, and complex spatial cueing are reviewed to give context to future strategies for biomimetic technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Brown
- Tissue Regeneration & Engineering Center, Institute of Orthopedics, University College London, Stanmore Campus, London, HA7 4LP, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Nerve regeneration is a complex biological phenomenon. Once the nervous system is impaired, its recovery is difficult and malfunctions in other parts of the body may occur because mature neurons do not undergo cell division. To increase the prospects of axonal regeneration and functional recovery, researches have focused on designing "nerve guidance channels" or "nerve conduits." When developing ideal tissue-engineered nerve conduits, several components come to mind. They include a biodegradable and porous channel wall, the ability to deliver bioactive growth factors, incorporation of support cells, an internal oriented matrix to support cell migration, intraluminal channels to mimic the structure of nerve fascicles, and electrical activities. This article reviews the factors that are critical for nerve repair, and the advanced technologies that are explored to fabricate nerve conduits. To more accurately mimic natural repair in the body, recent studies have focused on the use of various advanced approaches to create ideal nerve conduits that combine multiple stimuli in an effort to better mimic the complex signals normally found in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cheng Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
This article reviews bioengineered strategies for spinal cord repair using tissue engineered scaffolds and drug delivery systems. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) is multifactorial and multiphasic, and therefore, it is likely that effective treatments will require combinations of strategies such as neuroprotection to counteract secondary injury, provision of scaffolds to replace lost tissue, and methods to enhance axonal regrowth, synaptic plasticity, and inhibition of astrocytosis. Biomaterials have major advantages for spinal cord repair because of their structural and chemical versatility. To date, various degradable or non-degradable biomaterial polymers have been tested as guidance channels or delivery systems for cellular and non-cellular neuroprotective or neuroregenerative agents in experimental SCI. There is promise that bioengineering technology utilizing cellular treatment strategies, including Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing glia, or neural stem cells, can promote repair of the injured spinal cord. This review is divided into three parts: (1) degradable and non-degradable biomaterials; (2) device design; and (3) combination strategies with scaffolds. We will show that bioengineering combinations of cellular and non-cellular strategies have enhanced the potential for experimental SCI repair, although further pre-clinical work is required before this technology can be translated to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nomura
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Recent efforts in scientific research in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration have been directed towards the development of artificial nerve guides. We have studied various materials with the aim of obtaining a biocompatible and biodegradable two layer guide for nerve repair. The candidate materials for use as an external layer for the nerve guides were poly(caprolactone) (PCL), a biosynthetic blend between PCL and chitosan (CS) and a synthesised poly(ester-urethane) (PU). Blending PCL, which is a biocompatible synthetic polymer, with a natural polymer enhanced the system biocompatibility and biomimetics, fastened the degradation rates and reduced the production costs. Various novel block poly(ester-urethane)s are being synthesised by our group with tailored properties for specific tissue engineering applications. One of these poly(ester-urethane)s, based on a low molecular weight poly(caprolactone) as the macrodiol, cycloesandimethanol as the chain extender and hexamethylene diisocyanate as the chain linker, was investigated for the production of melt extruded nerve guides. We studied natural polymers such as gelatin (G), poly(L-lysine) (PL) and blends between chitosan and gelatin (CS/G) as internal coatings for nerve guides. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed on PCL guides internally coated either with G or PL to determine the differences in the quality of nerve regeneration associated with the type of adhesion protein. CS/G natural blends combined the good cell adhesion properties of the protein phase with the ability to promote nerve regeneration of the polysaccharide phase. Natural blends were crosslinked both by physical and chemical crosslinking methods. In vitro neuroblast adhesion tests were performed on CS/G film samples, PCL/CS and PU guides internally coated with G to evaluate the ability of such materials towards nerve repair.
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Phillips JB, Bunting SCJ, Hall SM, Brown RA. Neural Tissue Engineering: A Self-Organizing Collagen Guidance Conduit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 11:1611-7. [PMID: 16259614 DOI: 10.1089/ten.2005.11.1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel implantable device that will deliver a tethered aligned collagen guidance conduit containing Schwann cells into a peripheral nerve injury site. Cells (Schwann cells and fibroblasts) incorporated into tethered rectangular collagen gels contracted and resulted in uniaxial alignment. This tissue-engineered construct was tested in three-dimensional culture and demonstrated the ability to guide neurite extension from dissociated dorsal root ganglia. A silicone tube was adapted to provide tethering sites for an implantable construct such that uniaxial cell-generated tension resulted in the formation of a bridge of aligned collagen fibrils, with a resident Schwann cell population. The potential of this device for surgical nerve regeneration was assessed in a 5-mm defect in a rat sciatic nerve model. Neural regeneration through this device was significantly greater than in controls, demonstrating that this system has potential both as a simple robust clinical implant and as a three-dimensional engineered tissue model.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Phillips
- University College London, Tissue Repair and Engineering Centre, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK.
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Scheibel T. Protein fibers as performance proteins: new technologies and applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2005; 16:427-33. [PMID: 15950453 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2005.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2005] [Revised: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein fibers are fundamental building blocks of life playing an essential role in motility, elasticity, scaffolding, stabilization and the protection of cells, tissues and organisms. Despite nearly a century of research into the assembly mechanisms and structures of fibrous proteins, only limited information is still available. Within the past decade, however, insights have been provided into how some fibrous proteins assemble and how they function in biology. In addition, efforts are increasingly being made to employ protein fibers as performance molecules in man-made medical and technical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Scheibel
- Department Chemie, Lehrstuhl Biotechnologie, Technische Universität München, D-85747 Garching, Germany.
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Suuronen EJ, Sheardown H, Newman KD, McLaughlin CR, Griffith M. Building In Vitro Models of Organs. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2005; 244:137-73. [PMID: 16157180 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(05)44004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-engineering techniques are being used to build in vitro models of organs as substitutes for human donor organs for transplantation as well as in vitro toxicology testing (as alternatives to use of animals). Tissue engineering involves the fabrication of scaffolds from materials that are biologically compatible to serve as cellular supports and microhabitats in order to reconstitute a desired tissue or organ. Three organ systems that are currently the foci of tissue engineering efforts for both transplantation and in vitro toxicology testing purposes are discussed. These are models of the cornea, nerves (peripheral nerves specifically), and cardiovascular components. In each of these organ systems, a variety of techniques and materials are being used to achieve the same end results. In general, models that are designed with consideration of the developmental and cellular biology of the target tissues or organs have tended to result in morphologically and physiologically accurate models. Many of the models, with further development and refinement, have the potential to be useful as functional substitute tissues and organs for transplantation or for in vitro toxicology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Suuronen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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