Properties of Resorbable Conduits Based on Poly(L-lactide) Nanofibers and Chitosan Fibers for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

Tubular conduits have been developed to regenerate peripheral nerves and repair defects with a diastase more than 3 cm. An optimal design of a conduit consists of a tube based on poly(L-lactide) nanofibers and chitosan composite fibers with chitin nanofibrils. In the study performed with in vivo model for motor dysfunction, nerve functional status has been assessed by means of the sciatic functional index. It has been shown that chitosan monofibers and chitosan composite fibers with chitin nanofibrils in the design of conduits can increase the regeneration rate of the sciatic nerve, the sciatic functional index is 76−83. The degree of nerve conduction recovery, determined by measuring the amplitude of the M response, is 46%. The developed conduit design imitates the oriented architecture of the nerve, facilitates electrical communication between the ends of the damaged nerve, and promotes increased rate of nerve regeneration and the direction of nerve growth.