A bioartifical nerve guide using a resorbable collagen matrix

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of peripheral nerve lesions remains a major challenge in plastic surgery. Clinical strategies to treat extensive peripheral nerve injuries include the use of nerve. The goal of the current study is the development of a bioartificially synthesized nerve graft. We present modifications of a specially designed collagen matrix with the attempt to achieve the standard of autologous nerve grafts. The objective is to advance previous in-vivo regeneration results by improving the schwann cell-biomaterial interaction.