Tissue-Engineered Nanofibrous Nerve Grafts for Enhancing the Rate of Nerve Regeneration
Abstract
Each year, more than 34 million musculoskeletal injuries or organ repair or replacement surgeries, and over 300,000 cases of peripheral nerve injuries resulting in upper extremity paralytic syndrome, are reported in the U.S. alone. Active duty military personnel are more prone to orthopedic injuries involving large extremity nerve injuries than civilians. The objective of the present proposal is to develop a novel structured nanofibrous biodegradable nerve graft system that present ECM protein, neurotrophic factor, and pre-seeded with bone marrow stromal cells in rotating bioreactors for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration to the level comparable to autograft. We determined a 0.1 mm wall thickness to provide a greater surface area and favorable environment for nerve regeneration compared to a 0.2 mm wall thickness based on characterization testing and in vitro studies. We have successfully incorporated PEG, a cross linking agent, into the inner aligned fibers of the nerve graft in the past. We observed that the 2mg Laminin PCL/PEG and 4mg Laminin PCL/PEG groups yielded the highest neurite extension and density. In our future work, we will incorporate the optimal concentration of growth factors and bone marrow stromal cells in our scaffolds and ultimately assess the outcome through animal studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612763
Entities
People
- Sangamesh G Kumbar
- Xiaojun Yu
Organizations
- Stevens Institute of Technology