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Bioresorbable and Mechanically Optimized Nerve Guidance Conduit Based on a Naturally Derived Medium Chain Length
Xabier Mendibil1, Francisco González-Pérez2, Xabier Bazan1
1Tekniker, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), C/ Iñaki Goenaga 5, 20600 Eibar, Spain.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 21, 2021
Summary
A novel polyhydroxyalkanoate and poly(ε-caprolactone) blend creates advanced nerve guidance conduits (NGCs). These conduits show superior nerve regeneration in rat models compared to existing synthetic options.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant clinical challenges, with autologous nerve grafts being the current gold standard.
- Existing synthetic nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) often lack the efficacy to surpass autologous grafts for nerve regeneration.
- Developing advanced NGCs that mimic native nerve properties is crucial for improving clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel biomaterial blend for nerve guidance conduits (NGCs).
- To evaluate the efficacy of these novel NGCs in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.
- To compare the performance of the novel NGCs against a commercially available synthetic NGC (Neurolac).
Main Methods:
- A novel blend of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was created for NGC fabrication.
- The PHA/PCL blend was processed into porous tubes using extrusion-based manufacturing.
- NGCs were implanted in a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model, with assessments including electrophysiology, histology, and animal recovery, comparing thin and thick wall designs and Neurolac NGCs.
Main Results:
- The PHA/PCL blend demonstrated good processability, cell compatibility, and a suitable bioresorption rate.
- Extruded NGCs exhibited mechanical properties comparable to native rat sciatic nerve.
- NGCs made from the PHA/PCL blend showed superior nerve regeneration outcomes, including improved electrophysiological and histological data, and higher recovery rates compared to Neurolac NGCs in the rat model.
Conclusions:
- The novel MCL-PHA/PCL blend is a promising material for fabricating effective nerve guidance conduits.
- The developed NGCs demonstrate superior performance in promoting nerve regeneration over existing synthetic options.
- This material offers a viable alternative for treating critical-sized peripheral nerve defects, potentially improving clinical nerve repair strategies.
