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García-García ÓD, El Soury M, Campos F, Sánchez-Porras D, Geuna S, Alaminos M, Gambarotta G, Chato-Astrain J, Raimondo S, Carriel V. Comprehensive ex vivo and in vivo preclinical evaluation of novel chemo enzymatic decellularized peripheral nerve allografts. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1162684. [PMID: 37082209 PMCID: PMC10111265 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1162684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a reliable alternative to autografts, decellularized peripheral nerve allografts (DPNAs) should mimic the complex microstructure of native nerves and be immunogenically compatible. Nevertheless, there is a current lack of decellularization methods able to remove peripheral nerve cells without significantly altering the nerve extracellular matrix (ECM). The aims of this study are firstly to characterize ex vivo, in a histological, biochemical, biomechanical and ultrastructural way, three novel chemical-enzymatic decellularization protocols (P1, P2 and P3) in rat sciatic nerves and compared with the Sondell classic decellularization method and then, to select the most promising DPNAs to be tested in vivo. All the DPNAs generated present an efficient removal of the cellular material and myelin, while preserving the laminin and collagen network of the ECM (except P3) and were free from any significant alterations in the biomechanical parameters and biocompatibility properties. Then, P1 and P2 were selected to evaluate their regenerative effectivity and were compared with Sondell and autograft techniques in an in vivo model of sciatic defect with a 10-mm gap, after 15 weeks of follow-up. All study groups showed a partial motor and sensory recovery that were in correlation with the histological, histomorphometrical and ultrastructural analyses of nerve regeneration, being P2 the protocol showing the most similar results to the autograft control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Darío García-García
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Doctoral Program in Biomedicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marwa El Soury
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Fernando Campos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - David Sánchez-Porras
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Miguel Alaminos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Giovanna Gambarotta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Jesús Chato-Astrain
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jesús Chato-Astrain, ; Víctor Carriel,
| | - Stefania Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Víctor Carriel
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, University of Granada and Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jesús Chato-Astrain, ; Víctor Carriel,
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Parker BJ, Rhodes DI, O'Brien CM, Rodda AE, Cameron NR. Nerve guidance conduit development for primary treatment of peripheral nerve transection injuries: A commercial perspective. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:64-86. [PMID: 34492374 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Commercial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) for repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities are of little use in gaps larger than 30 mm, and for smaller gaps they often fail to compete with the autografts that they are designed to replace. While recent research to develop new technologies for use in NGCs has produced many advanced designs with seemingly positive functional outcomes in animal models, these advances have not been translated into viable clinical products. While there have been many detailed reviews of the technologies available for creating NGCs, none of these have focussed on the requirements of the commercialisation process which are vital to ensure the translation of a technology from bench to clinic. Consideration of the factors essential for commercial viability, including regulatory clearance, reimbursement processes, manufacturability and scale up, and quality management early in the design process is vital in giving new technologies the best chance at achieving real-world impact. Here we have attempted to summarise the major components to consider during the development of emerging NGC technologies as a guide for those looking to develop new technology in this domain. We also examine a selection of the latest academic developments from the viewpoint of clinical translation, and discuss areas where we believe further work would be most likely to bring new NGC technologies to the clinic. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: NGCs for peripheral nerve repairs represent an adaptable foundation with potential to incorporate modifications to improve nerve regeneration outcomes. In this review we outline the regulatory processes that functionally distinct NGCs may need to address and explore new modifications and the complications that may need to be addressed during the translation process from bench to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradyn J Parker
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, 22 Alliance Lane, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - David I Rhodes
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, 22 Alliance Lane, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; ReNerve Pty. Ltd., Brunswick East 3057, Australia
| | - Carmel M O'Brien
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Science, Technology, Research and innovation Precinct (STRIP), Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew E Rodda
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, 22 Alliance Lane, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Neil R Cameron
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, 22 Alliance Lane, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
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Liu H, Zhao Y, Tong J, Shi X, Chen Y, Du Y. Electrofabrication of flexible and mechanically strong tubular chitosan implants for peripheral nerve regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:5537-5546. [PMID: 34161401 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00247c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of peripheral nerve tissue engineering requires a safe and reliable methodology to construct biodegradable conduits. Herein, a new type of chitosan-based nerve-guide hydrogel conduit (CNHC) with enhanced mechanical flexibility in the wet state was fabricated using a one-step electrofabrication technology. The formation of the chitosan conduit is a physical process which can be conducted in a mild water phase without toxic crosslinks. The current density during electrofabrication has a profound effect on the physical and structural properties of the conduits. Cytocompatibility results indicate that the CNHC can promote cell proliferation and adhesion. Functional and histological tests indicate that the CNHC has the ability to guide the growth of axons through the conduit to reach a distal stump, which is closely similar to the autograft group. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the CNHCs from electrofabrication have a great potential in peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune Related Diseases, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Jun Tong
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Xiaowen Shi
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune Related Diseases, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yumin Du
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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Houshyar S, Bhattacharyya A, Shanks R. Peripheral Nerve Conduit: Materials and Structures. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3349-3365. [PMID: 31273975 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are the most common injury types to affect the nervous system. Restoration of nerve function after PNI is a challenging medical issue. Extended gaps in transected peripheral nerves are only repaired using autologous nerve grafting. This technique, however, in which nerve tissue is harvested from a donor site and grafted onto a recipient site in the same body, has many limitations and disadvantages. Recent studies have revealed artificial nerve conduits as a promising alternative technique to substitute autologous nerves. This Review summarizes different types of artificial nerve grafts used to repair peripheral nerve injuries. These include synthetic and natural polymers with biological factors. Then, desirable properties of nerve guides are discussed based on their functionality and effectiveness. In the final part of this Review, fabrication methods and commercially available nerve guides are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Houshyar
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Amitava Bhattacharyya
- Nanoscience and Technology, Department of Electronics and Communication, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore − 641004, India
| | - Robert Shanks
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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Duffy P, McMahon S, Wang X, Keaveney S, O'Cearbhaill ED, Quintana I, Rodríguez FJ, Wang W. Synthetic bioresorbable poly-α-hydroxyesters as peripheral nerve guidance conduits; a review of material properties, design strategies and their efficacy to date. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4912-4943. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00246d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Implantable tubular devices known as nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have drawn considerable interest as an alternative to autografting in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Duffy
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology
- School of Medicine
- University College Dublin
- Dublin
- Ireland
| | - Seán McMahon
- Ashland Specialties Ireland Ltd
- Synergy Centre
- Dublin
- Ireland
| | - Xi Wang
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology
- School of Medicine
- University College Dublin
- Dublin
- Ireland
| | - Shane Keaveney
- School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
- UCD Centre for Biomedical Engineering
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research
- University College Dublin
- Dublin
| | - Eoin D. O'Cearbhaill
- School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
- UCD Centre for Biomedical Engineering
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research
- University College Dublin
- Dublin
| | - Iban Quintana
- IK4-Tekniker
- Surface Engineering and Materials Science Unit
- Eibar
- Spain
| | | | - Wenxin Wang
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology
- School of Medicine
- University College Dublin
- Dublin
- Ireland
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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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Haggerty AE, Maldonado-Lasunción I, Oudega M. Biomaterials for revascularization and immunomodulation after spinal cord injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 13:044105. [PMID: 29359704 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aaa9d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes immediate damage to the nervous tissue accompanied by loss of motor and sensory function. The limited self-repair competence of injured nervous tissue underscores the need for reparative interventions to recover function after SCI. The vasculature of the spinal cord plays a crucial role in SCI and repair. Ruptured and sheared blood vessels in the injury epicenter and blood vessels with a breached blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) in the surrounding tissue cause bleeding and inflammation, which contribute to the overall tissue damage. The insufficient formation of new functional vasculature in and near the injury impedes endogenous tissue repair and limits the prospect of repair approaches. Limiting the loss of blood vessels, stabilizing the BSCB, and promoting the formation of new blood vessels are therapeutic targets for spinal cord repair. Inflammation is an integral part of injury-mediated vascular damage, which has deleterious and reparative consequences. Inflammation and the formation of new blood vessels are intricately interwoven. Biomaterials can be effectively used for promoting and guiding blood vessel formation or modulating the inflammatory response after SCI, thereby governing the extent of damage and the success of reparative interventions. This review deals with the vasculature after SCI, the reciprocal interactions between inflammation and blood vessel formation, and the potential of biomaterials to support revascularization and immunomodulation in damaged spinal cord nervous tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes E Haggerty
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
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8
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Mattotti M, Alvarez Z, Delgado L, Mateos-Timoneda MA, Aparicio C, Planell JA, Alcántara S, Engel E. Differential neuronal and glial behavior on flat and micro patterned chitosan films. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 158:569-577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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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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10
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Elastic chitosan conduits with multiple channels and well defined microstructure. Int J Biol Macromol 2012; 51:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Jeffries EM, Wang Y. Biomimetic micropatterned multi-channel nerve guides by templated electrospinning. Biotechnol Bioeng 2012; 109:1571-82. [PMID: 22179932 PMCID: PMC3330138 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This report describes a new approach for fabricating microchannels within three-dimensional electrospun constructs. These key features serve to mimic the fascicular architecture and fibrous extracellular matrix found in native nerve. Both electrospun fibers and multi-channeled structure nerve guides have become areas of increasing interest for their beneficial roles in nerve repair. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a guide that incorporates both. Multiple parallel channels provide a greater number of defined paths and increased surface area compared to cylindrical guides. Additionally, the fibrous nature of electrospun fibers permits better mass transport than solid-walled constructs. The flexible fabrication scheme allows tailoring of nerve guide parameters such as channel diameters ranging from 33 to 176 µm and various wall thicknesses. Channel and fiber structures were assessed by optical and electron microscope images. Geometric calculations estimated a porosity of over 85% for these guides with 16% or less from the channels. In vitro culture with Schwann cells demonstrated cellular infiltration into channels with restricted migration between fibers. Finally, cell proliferation and survival throughout the guide indicates that this design warrants future in vivo examination.
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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: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [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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Scott JB, Afshari M, Kotek R, Saul JM. The promotion of axon extension in vitro using polymer-templated fibrin scaffolds. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4830-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Abstract
Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complicated and long-term medical challenge that requires suitable guides for bridging nerve injury gaps and restoring nerve functions. Many natural and synthetic polymers have been used to fabricate nerve conduits as well as luminal fillers for achieving desired nerve regenerative functions. It is important to understand the intrinsic properties of these polymers and techniques that have been used for fabricating nerve conduits. Previously extensive reviews have been focused on the biological functions and in vivo performance of polymeric nerve conduits. In this paper, we emphasize on the structures, thermal and mechanical properties of these naturally derived synthetic polymers, and their fabrication methods. These aspects are critical for the performance of fabricated nerve conduits. By learning from the existing candidates, we can advance the strategies for designing novel polymeric systems with better properties for nerve regeneration.
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