Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Strategies: Electrically Stimulating Polymer Based Nerve Growth Conduits
Matthew Anderson1, Namdev B Shelke1, Ohan S Manoukian2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT; Institute for Regenerative Engineering, UConn Health, Farmington, CT; Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Biomedical, Biological, Physical and Engineering Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT.
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|June 10, 2016
Summary
Peripheral nerve regeneration research explores synthetic grafts and electrical stimulation (ES) to improve outcomes. Electrically conductive polymers offer promising avenues for enhanced nerve repair and tissue engineering strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral nerve damage treatment often involves autologous grafts or synthetic conduits, but limitations like donor site morbidity and suboptimal outcomes persist.
- Tissue-engineered nerve grafts utilize polymeric conduits with chemical and physical cues, cells, or combinations thereof to promote regeneration.
- Electrical stimulation (ES) is investigated for tissue repair, including nerve regeneration, though its precise mechanisms on cellular activities remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of electrically conductive polymers and electrical stimulation in peripheral nerve regeneration.
- To discuss the role of chemical and physical cues in engineered nerve grafts.
- To explore recent research on biomaterial scaffolds for nerve repair.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nerve graft substitutes, polymeric conduits, and electrical stimulation.
- Characterization of electrically conductive polymer constructs for nerve regeneration applications.
- Discussion of cell interactions, biocompatibility, and tissue regeneration associated with these materials.
Main Results:
- Electrically conductive polymers integrated into scaffolds show potential for nerve regeneration applications.
- Electrical stimulation influences cellular activities crucial for tissue repair, though mechanisms require further elucidation.
- Multifunctional combinatorial devices integrating biomaterial, structural, cellular, and molecular aspects are proposed for effective nerve regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Electrically conductive polymers and electrical stimulation are promising components for advanced nerve regeneration strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of electrical stimulation in nerve repair.
- A multifunctional, combinatorial approach is likely essential for achieving optimal peripheral nerve regeneration.
