Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury can result in severe long-term disability and current clinical approaches for repairing large gaps rely on the nerve autograft. Engineered Neural Tissue (EngNT) has been developed to provide living aligned therapeutic cells in a stabilised collagen hydrogel, mimicking the key features of the autograft. This Perspective article will introduce the field and discuss the current stage of translation, highlighting the key opportunities for commercial and clinical development.
Highlights
Peripheral nerves connect to and control the tissues and organs of the body
As tissue engineering techniques and understanding of peripheral nerve biology have matured over recent decades, and clinical application of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) has become more established, the feasibility of constructing living artificial tissue to bridge gaps in peripheral nerve repair has improved
Engineered Neural Tissue (EngNT) has scientific, commercial and clinical potential to be used in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries
Summary
Peripheral nerves connect to and control the tissues and organs of the body. Nerve injury can be debilitating, resulting in motor and sensory losses, disruption to autonomic functions and chronic pain. In the distal segment of a damaged nerve the columns of repair Schwann cells encourage neuronal regeneration, providing a supportive chemical and physical environment through which axonal sprouts can extend [6,7].
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