Nerve regeneration scaffolds

Zhang, Z., Wang, S., Tian, X., Zhao, Z., Zhang, J., Lv, D. A new effective scaffold to facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration Chitosan tube coated with maggot homogenate product. Medical Hypotheses. 2010, 74, 12-14. 

Preliminary studies using phase separation for fabrication of G5/PLA scaffolds show promising results in certain critical aspects. The glass particle in Fig. 12 seems entrapped within the scaffold s microstructure and may contribute to its stiffness. The relative anisotropy of the microstructure may be exploited for specific applications such as nerve regeneration [56]. Furthermore, the phase separation method creates both macro- and microporosity, which would enable cell adhesion in the macropores, and allow the infiltra-... 

Maquet, V., Martin, D., Malgrange, B., Franzen, R., Schoenen, J., Moonen, G., Jerome, R. Peripheral nerve regeneration using bioresorbable macroporous polylactide scaffolds. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 52, 639-651 (2000)... 

Nanofibers [75] Suture Guided bone regeneration Scaffold for nerve tissue regeneration ... 

The high extent of axonal regeneration in the investigated crushed sciatic nerves, which have been contacted by such lyophilized chitosan membranes, indicates that chitosan acts as an inducer of nerve regeneration rather than just as a scaffold providing mechanical stabilization. The authors speculated that chitosan in these materials enhances Schwann cell proliferation, axon elongation and myelination. Additionally, silica ions may influence the... 

Electrical stimulation has been shown to enhance nerve cell regeneration [124,125], the mechanisms for this effect are, however, unclear. One hypothesis is that an electrical stimulus alters the local electrical fields of extracellular matrix molecules, changing protein adsorption [126]. As early as 1994, studies into the suitability of ICPs such as PPy as neuronal scaffolds provided positive proof that these electroactive stimulus response polymers indeed have a role to play. Shastri et al. [127] showed that neurite extension of PC 12 cells was more pronounced on PPy surfaces as compared to tissue culture polystyrene. The authors also showed that the application of an electrical stimulus to the cell culture on the PPy film significantly increased the expression of neurites in the cells compared to the controls. In addition, they demonstrated through tissue compatibility and transected sciatic nerve regeneration studies in rat models that the PPy films invoke little negative response and support nerve regeneration. 

Various electrospun nanofibers made of PCL, PCL/hydroxyapatite, polystyrene, and SF were surface-modified by air or argon plasma, resulting in an improved cell adhesion and proliferation (Venugopal et al. 2008 Prabhakaran et al. 2008 Yang et al. 2008). PCL nanofibrous scaffolds were surface-modified by a simple plasma treatment process to enhance the Schwann cell adhesion, proliferation, and interactions with the nanofibers necessary for nerve tissue formation (Prabhakaran et al. 2008). The results showed that plasma-treated PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are a cost-effective material compared with PCL/collagen scaffolds and can potentially serve as an ideal tissue-engineered scaffold, especially for peripheral nerve regeneration. 

Cao, J., Sun, C., Zhao, H., Xiao,Z., Chen, B., Gao, J.,Zheng, T., Wu, W., Wu, S., Wang, J., Dai, J., 2011. The use of laminin modified linear ordered collagen scaffolds loaded with laminin-binding ciliary neurotrophic factor for sciatic nerve regeneration in rats. Biomaterials 32, 3939-3948. 

Scaffolds made with collagen/PCL blend were compared with PCL scaffolds with [160] their surface modified by plasma treatment (p-PCL). p-PCL scaffolds were greater substrates for Schwann cells. The cells expressed bipolar elongations, retaining their normal morphology on the p-PCL fibers. p-PCL is a cost-effective material compared to PCL/collagen scaffolds, especially for peripheral nerve regeneration... 

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