Article
Surgery
David M. Brogan, Christopher J. Dy, Tony Y. Lee, Dana Rioux-Forker, Jason Wever, Fraser J. Leversedge
Summary: The study suggests that wrapping a nerve conduit around a primary nerve repair without segmental defects may lead to more histologic debris, reduced axonal density and G-ratio, and worse functional and mixed histologic outcomes at 6 weeks. Further basic science and clinical studies are needed before widespread adoption of this practice.
JOURNAL OF RECONSTRUCTIVE MICROSURGERY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yongxin Zhan, Zekun Zhou, Miao Chen, Xu Gong
Summary: This study developed a photothermal material PDA NPs@HAMA and evaluated its efficacy for preventing peripheral nerve adhesion in a rat sciatic nerve adhesion model. The results showed that PDA NPs@HAMA reduced the occurrence of adhesion and preserved nerve function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Ma, Hao Wang, Qiqi Wang, Xiaodong Cao, Huichang Gao
Summary: This study developed a multi-channel nerve guidance conduit (NGC) with dual electrical activity of piezoelectricity and conductivity to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the electroactive NGC promoted cell proliferation, differentiation, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery of peripheral nerves, indicating its great potential in repairing peripheral nerve injuries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yi-jun Liu, Xiao-feng Chen, Li-ping Zhou, Feng Rao, Dian-ying Zhang, Yan-hua Wang
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a-loaded fibrin hydrogel on a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Results showed that Wnt5a could promote Schwann cell proliferation and the expression of various neurotrophic factors, and the Wnt5a/Fn group outperformed the control groups in terms of nerve regeneration and functional recovery 12 weeks after the operation. The Wnt5a/Fn nerve conduit may promote peripheral nerve defect regeneration by facilitating multiple neurotrophin secretion, combining vascularization and neurotrophic growth cues.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Merav Antman-Passig, Jonathan Giron, Moshe Karni, Menachem Motiei, Hadas Schori, Orit Shefi
Summary: Nerve growth conduits play a crucial role in supporting and promoting axon regeneration following nerve injuries. A biomimetic regenerative gel enriched with magnetic nanoparticles coated with nerve growth factor has been developed, showing promising effects on enhancing nerve regeneration in in vivo rat models. The magnet-based therapeutic conduits demonstrate oriented and directed axonal growth, providing a novel therapeutic approach to overcoming current medical obstacles for nerve injuries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaoying Zhang, Jiaxing Gong, Jingyu Zhang, Ziyu Zhu, Ying Qian, Kejie Lu, Siyi Zhou, Tianyi Gu, Huiming Wang, Yong He, Mengfei Yu
Summary: The replacement of autograft with a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) in peripheral nerve injury is challenging due to the limited conductivity and biocompatibility of current NGCs in vivo. In this review, the authors explore the superior factors for nerve conduction, the construction of a more conductive regenerative scaffold, and the next steps in nerve regeneration for NGCs. The analysis of NGC-related references suggests that conductive materials, manufacturing technologies of neural scaffolds, and electrical stimulation (ES) play essential roles in accelerating nerve conduction.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hui Zhang, Han Zhang, Huan Wang, Yuanjin Zhao, Renjie Chai
Summary: A novel silk fibroin-derived nerve guidance conduit (NGC) with internal-facing inverse opal structures is developed for local neurotrophic factor delivery and effective nerve regeneration. The NGC demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, suitable biodegradability, and spatial control over the distribution of loading factors, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yao, Weihao Yuan, Jiankun Xu, Wenxue Tong, Jie Mi, Pak-Cheong Ho, Dick Ho Kiu Chow, Ye Li, Hao Yao, Xu Li, Shunxiang Xu, Jiaxin Guo, Qingtang Zhu, Liming Bian, Ling Qin
Summary: In this study, an injectable hydrogel based on bisphosphonate was developed to sustainably release magnesium ions for peripheral nerve regeneration. The experimental results showed that magnesium ions promoted neurite outgrowth in a concentration-dependent manner by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and Sema5b. In a rat nerve defect model, filling the polycaprolactone conduit with magnesium-releasing hydrogel significantly enhanced axon regeneration and remyelination, leading to improved functional recovery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongcong Fang, Chengjin Wang, Zibo Liu, Jeonghoon Ko, Li Chen, Ting Zhang, Zhuo Xiong, Lei Zhang, Wei Sun
Summary: In this study, a conductive multiscale filled NGC (MF-NGC) is developed, which significantly enhances peripheral nerve regeneration. The printed MF-NGCs possess good permeability, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity, promoting the elongation and growth of Schwann cells and neurite outgrowth. Animal studies demonstrate that the MF-NGCs promote neovascularization and M2 transition, leading to improved peripheral nerve regeneration. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D-printed conductive MF-NGCs with hierarchically oriented fibers as functional conduits.
Article
Neurosciences
Feixiang Chen, Weihuang Liu, Qiang Zhang, Ping Wu, Ao Xiao, Yanan Zhao, Ying Zhou, Qiaona Wang, Yun Chen, Zan Tong
Summary: The study demonstrated that modulating the immune microenvironment by IL-17F could enhance peripheral nerve repair mediated by chitosan conduits. IL-17F knockout mice showed improved functional recovery and axonal regeneration, along with enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophages in the NGC repairing microenvironment. These findings suggest a promising approach to improve peripheral nerve regeneration.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yaowei Xuan, Lin Li, Xuelai Yin, Dongming He, Siyao Li, Chenping Zhang, Yuan Yin, Wanlin Xu, Zhen Zhang
Summary: This study developed a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) based on bredigite (BRT) bioceramic, which could promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury. BRT bioceramic showed good biocompatibility and sustained release of beneficial ions for nerve repair. The experiments demonstrated that BRT-incorporating NGC could promote cell proliferation, myelination, and vascular formation, as well as improve electrophysiological performance and muscle atrophy in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maximilian Mayrhofer-Schmid, Tess T. Klemm, Martin Aman, Ulrich Kneser, Kyle R. Eberlin, Leila Harhaus, Arne H. Boecker
Summary: Wrapping peripheral nerves can prevent scar tissue formation and adhesions, but the optimal material and technique have yet to be determined. Further research is needed to identify the most effective nerve wrapping method for clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Arne Boecker, Martin Aman, Ulrich Kneser, Leila Harhaus, Frank Siemers, Felix Stang
Summary: The efficacy of chitosan-based nerve conduits in regenerating sensory nerves in the hand was evaluated in this study. The results showed that this type of nerve conduit had similar functional outcomes and patient satisfaction to autologous nerve grafts in treating small nerve defects.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yizhou Xu, Jianing Liu, Peng Zhang, Xiang Ao, Yunlun Li, Ye Tian, Xiaozhong Qiu, Jiasong Guo, Xiaofang Hu
Summary: In this study, a zwitterionic hydrogel was developed to mimic the continuous ion-based signal transmission in biological systems for efficient peripheral nerve regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical stability, suitable electrical conductivity, and good cytocompatibility, which promoted cell proliferation and neurite growth.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Stocco, Silvia Barbon, Aron Emmi, Cesare Tiengo, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De Caro, Andrea Porzionato
Summary: In peripheral nerve injuries with substance loss, graft positioning is required. The available options include autografts, allografts, and hollow nerve conduits. However, none of the current alternatives fully satisfy the anatomical and functional nerve regeneration requirements, and future research should focus on wall and/or inner lumen organization/functionalization. This review aims to describe common alternatives for severe peripheral nerve injury recovery, highlighting future conduits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)