Abstract
End-to-end neurorrhaphy is the most commonly used method for treating peripheral nerve injury. However, only 50% of patients can regain useful function after treating with neurorrhaphy. Here, we constructed a 3D-engineered porous conduit to promote the function recovery of the transected peripheral nerve after neurorrhaphy. The conduit that consisted of a gelatin cryogel was prepared by molding with 3D-printed moulds. Due to its porous structure and excellent mechanical properties, this conduit could be collapsed by the mechanical force and resumed its original shape after absorption of normal saline. This shape-memory property allowed a simply surgery process for installing the conduits. Moreover, the biodegradable conduit could prevent the infiltration of fibroblasts and reduce the risk of scar tissue, which could provide an advantageous environment for nerve regeneration. The efficiency of the conduits in assisting peripheral nerve regeneration after neurorrhaphy was evaluated in a rat sciatic nerve transected model. Results indicated that conduits significantly benefitted the recovery of the transected peripheral nerve after end-to-end neurorrhaphy on the static sciatic index (SSI), electrophysiological results and the re-innervation of the gastrocnemius muscle. This work demonstrates a biodegradable nerve conduit that has potentially clinical application in promoting the neurorrhaphy.
Highlights
Based on this knowledge, designing a 3D engineered conduit that wrapped around the surgical site would be a promising protocol to promote the function and histology of the sciatic nerve after end-to-end neurorrhaphy
In order to select a proper concentration for preparing conduit, gelatin cryogels with different concentration (3%, 5%, 7%) were synthesized
The microstructures of the gelatin cryogels were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Summary
Based on this knowledge, designing a 3D engineered conduit that wrapped around the surgical site would be a promising protocol to promote the function and histology of the sciatic nerve after end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Wrapping the transected nerve with gelatin conduits might provide a development to facilitate the regeneration of peripheral nerve after end-to-end neurorrhaphy. In order to simplify the surgical procedure, we constructed a shape-memory conduit. The prepared conduit could regain its original geometry and could be used for wrapping the sciatic nerve after end-to-end neurorrhaphy in rats (Fig. 1). Taking advantage of aforementioned studies, the aim of this study was to construct a 3D-engineered porous conduit, to further evaluate its usefulness for peripheral nerve repair after end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Functional assessment and histological evaluation were utilized to evaluate the effect of the conduit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
