Chapter III.10 - Tissue Engineering of the Peripheral Nervous System

Abstract

Publisher Summary Despite recent efforts, there is still no clinically attractive alternative to nerve or vein autografts for repair of peripheral nerve defects. Much research is being devoted to the creation of the optimum nerve guidance channel, which will most likely incorporate multiple forms of stimuli for the regenerating nerve. The synthesis of additional novel and interactive biomaterials will open many doors for tissue engineering efforts in the nervous system. Biotechnology will also play a larger role, either by incorporation of cells genetically engineered to secrete neurotrophic or survival factors, or by direct incorporation of specifically tailored recombinant peptides or proteins (for example, adhesive ligand sequences, growth factors, enzyme pockets, and catalytic or inhibitory antibody fragments). In addition, drug delivery technology will become more critical for the design of the ideal nerve guidance channel (NGC). Techniques by which a series of bioactive molecules could be released over time in sequence with stages of regeneration may ultimately enhance repair in the PNS (peripheral nervous system), and potentially even in the CNS (central nervous system). In addition, more quantitative and uniform methods of analyzing regeneration need to be realized. Quantitative molecular analyses must be conducted in parallel with more phenomenological studies, so that ultimately, mechanistic models can be developed to make a priori predictions based on the biological responses of the regenerating nerve to stimulatory and inhibitory cues.