An in vivo study of tricalcium phosphate and glutaraldehyde crosslinking gelatin conduits in peripheral nerve repair

Abstract

In order to modulate the mechanical properties of gelatin, we previously developed a biodegradable composite composed by tricalcium phosphate and glutaraldehyde crosslinking gelatin (GTG) feasible for surgical manipulation. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo applications of GTG conduit for peripheral nerve repair. The effect of sciatic nerve reconstruction was compared between resorbable permeable GTG conduits and durable impermeable silicone tubes. Traditional methods of assessing nerve recovery following peripheral nerve repair including histomorphometric and electrophysiologic features were conducted in our study. In addition, autotomy score and sciatic function index (SFI) in walking tract analysis were used as additional parameters for assessing the return of nerve function. Twenty-four weeks after sciatic nerve repair, the GTG conduits were harvested. Microscopically, regeneration of nerves was observed in the cross-section at the mid portion of all implanted GTG conduits. The cross-sectional area of regenerated nerve of the GTG group was significant larger than that of the silicone group. In the compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), the mean recovery index of CMAP amplitude was 0.24 +/- 0.02 for the silicone group, 0.41 +/- 0.07 for the GTG group. The mean SFI increased with time in the GTG group during the evaluation period until 24 weeks. Walking tract analysis showed a higher SFI score in the GTG group at both 12 and 24 weeks. The difference reached a significant level at 24 weeks. Thus, the histomorphometric, electrophysiologic, and functional assessments demonstrate that GTG can be a candidate for peripheral nerve repair.

Controlling dispersion of axonal regeneration using a multichannel collagen nerve conduit

“…Similar findings were also observed in a previous study, though these results were limited by extensive swelling and collapse of the biomaterial poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in the study. CMAP examinations offer an important index for the conduction function of peripheral nerve [2,[28][29][30][31]. In this study, we observed the highest CMAP amplitude of autograft repair in both plantar foot muscles and dorsal muscles.…”

Construction of nerve guide conduits from cellulose/soy protein composite membranes combined with Schwann cells and pyrroloquinoline quinone for the repair of peripheral nerve defect

“…The nerve conduits prepared from non-degradable biomaterials remain in situ as a foreign body, causing a chronic tissue response, nerve compression, and infection [6,7]. As a result, the nerve guide conduits prepared from biodegradable materials have attracted much more attention [8]. An ideal nerve guide conduit must be biocompatible, biodegradable, soft and flexible, and semipermeable, which can provide a guidance cue via 3D tubular structure, prevent fibrous tissue from ingrowth and meet technical requirements for further production, sterilization, long-term storage and surgical handling [9].…”

Proteins and Their Peptide Motifs in Acellular Apatite Mineralization of Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

“…In a recent study of a collagen hydrogel aimed at soft tissue repair, it was suggested that calcium phosphate should be included 157 because it has been suggested that Ca 2þ ions are necessary for neurite growth. 158 Thus such ions released from the scaffolds also would improve neurite healing.…”