Conduction Properties Of Decellularized Nerve Biomaterials.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Decellular nerve (DN) scaffolds are FDA-approved biomaterials with suitable properties for peripheral nerve repair.
• Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a biocompatible, electroconductive polymer that can enhance electrical properties of biomaterials.
• Current methods for coating DN scaffolds with PEDOT may require dehydration, potentially affecting scaffold properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the electrochemical polymerization of PEDOT onto DN scaffolds for peripheral nerve interfacing.
• To develop highly conductive nerve interfaces for permanent implantation between nerve fascicles and prosthetic electronics.
• To evaluate the electrical and mechanical properties of PEDOT-coated DN scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Developed novel electrochemical methods for PEDOT polymerization into DN scaffolds, avoiding a final dehydration step.
• Quantified electrical impedance and charge density of PEDOT-coated DN scaffolds.
• Assessed in-situ nerve conduction in peripheral nerve grafts using PEDOT-coated DN scaffolds.
• Evaluated surgical handling characteristics of the conductive scaffolds.

Main Results:

• PEDOT-coated DN scaffolds showed significant improvements in electrical impedance compared to uncoated DN scaffolds (p ≤ 0.05).
• Electrical properties of scaffolds with moderate and low PEDOT concentrations were comparable to those with maximal concentrations.
• In-situ nerve conduction measurements indicated that PEDOT-coated DN scaffolds performed favorably compared to autografts.
• Hydrated PEDOT DN scaffolds exhibited pliable handling characteristics (rated 3), while dehydrated scaffolds were stiff (rated 1), compared to autografts (rated 4).

Conclusions:

• Optimized PEDOT polymerization into DN scaffolds enhances electroconductivity and maintains pliability, crucial for peripheral nerve interfaces.
• Low concentrations of PEDOT provide significant electroactive property increases comparable to high concentrations.
• These conductive DN scaffolds show promise as effective nerve grafts for integrating peripheral nerves with prosthetic devices.