Rapid continuous 3D printing of customizable peripheral nerve guidance conduits

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant challenges for regeneration.
• Current nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) lack the architectural complexity and customization needed for optimal repair.
• Advanced biofabrication is required for sophisticated NGC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, continuous 3D-printing platform for fabricating customizable nerve guidance conduits (NGCs).
• To create NGCs with complex architectures, tunable properties, and precise geometrical control for peripheral nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• A rapid continuous 3D-printing platform was utilized for NGC fabrication.
• Customizable NGC designs with varying complexity and microchannel features were created.
• In vivo implantation into mouse sciatic nerve transections was performed to assess NGC efficacy.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printing platform demonstrated high resolution, speed, flexibility, and scalability in producing NGCs.
• Implanted NGCs effectively guided regenerating sciatic nerves, promoting branching and distal extension.
• Histological and functional tests confirmed progressive nerve regeneration and recovery of motor and sensory function.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printing platform offers a versatile solution for creating advanced, customizable NGCs.
• These biofabricated NGCs show significant potential for promoting directional nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.