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A Shock to the (Nervous) System: Bioelectricity Within Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering
Ryan P Trueman1,2, Ananya S Ahlawat1,2, James B Phillips1,2
1Center for Nerve Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|November 22, 2021
Summary
Electrical stimulation (ES) enhances peripheral nerve repair by positively influencing key cells like neurons and Schwann cells. This review explores incorporating ES into tissue engineering to improve functional recovery beyond current autograft limitations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injury often results in poor functional recovery, even after autograft surgery.
- Current tissue engineering strategies aim to improve nerve regeneration using biomaterials and supportive therapies.
- Electrical stimulation (ES) is an emerging modality with potential to enhance nerve repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on key cell types involved in peripheral nerve repair.
- To explore the incorporation of ES into nerve tissue engineering strategies.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of ES's therapeutic potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating electrical stimulation in peripheral nerve repair.
- Analysis of ES effects on neurons, endothelial cells, macrophages, and Schwann cells.
- Examination of ES administration methods and cellular responses relevant to tissue engineering.
Main Results:
- ES positively influences neurite extension, cellular alignment, and cell phenotype crucial for nerve regeneration.
- ES has demonstrated beneficial effects on neurons, endothelial cells, macrophages, and Schwann cells.
- These cellular changes elicited by ES are associated with improved regeneration and functional outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Electrical stimulation presents a promising therapeutic approach for peripheral nerve tissue engineering.
- Integrating ES into existing strategies could significantly enhance nerve regeneration and patient outcomes.
- This review highlights the need for further research into optimizing ES for clinical application in nerve repair.
