Growth factor enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration through a novel synthetic hydrogel tube

Abstract

The PHEMA-MMA tubes augmented with FGF-1 in their lumens appear to be a promising alternative to autografts for repair of nerve injuries. Studies are in progress to assess the long-term biocompatibility of these implants and to enhance regeneration further.

Differentially promoted peripheral nerve regeneration by grafted Schwann cells over-expressing different FGF-2 isoforms

“…Among these factors, FGF-1 dispersed in collagen inside of a synthetic graft demonstrated regeneration of myelinated axon numbers in the same extent as autologous grafts, over a 10-mm gap in rat sciatic nerves (Midha et al, 2003). In the same study, treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) showed also good results, but rather poor compared to FGF-1 treatment and autologous nerve grafts (Midha et al, 2003).…”

“…Among these factors, FGF-1 dispersed in collagen inside of a synthetic graft demonstrated regeneration of myelinated axon numbers in the same extent as autologous grafts, over a 10-mm gap in rat sciatic nerves (Midha et al, 2003). In the same study, treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) showed also good results, but rather poor compared to FGF-1 treatment and autologous nerve grafts (Midha et al, 2003). Exogenous leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) filled into silicone tubes leaving also a 10-mm gap in rat sciatic nerves improved the fiber regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves as well as recovery of skeletal muscle function (Tham et al, 1997).…”

Neuregulin 1 Role in Schwann Cell Regulation and Potential Applications to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

“…More recently, research has been focused mainly on improving the single lumen nerve tube to bridge larger nerve gaps (de Ruiter, Malessy, Yaszemski, Windebank, & Spinner, 2009;de Ruiter, Spinner, Yaszemski, Windebank, & Malessy, 2009). The artificial conduit may be implanted empty, or it may be filled with collagen and laminin-containing gels (Labrador, Buti, & Navarro, 1998;Madison, Da Silva, & Dikkes, 1988;Verdu et al, 2002), internal frameworks (de Ruiter, Spinner et al, 2009;Francel, Francel, Mackinnon, & Hertl, 1997;Lundborg & Kanje, 1996;Meek et al, 2001;Nakamura et al, 2004;Yoshii & Oka, 2001;Yoshii, Oka, Shima, Taniguchi, & Akagi, 2003), supportive cells (Ansselin, Fink, & Davey, 1997;Evans et al, 2002;Guenard, Kleitman, Morrissey, Bunge, & Aebischer, 1992;Kim et al, 1994;Rodriguez, Verdu, Ceballos, & Navarro, 2000;Sinis et al, 2005), growth factors (Derby et al, 1993;Fine, Decosterd, Papaloizos, Zurn, & Aebischer, 2002;Hollowell, Villadiego, & Rich, 1990;Lee et al, 2003;Midha, Munro, Dalton, Tator, & Shoichet, 2003;Sterne, Brown, Green, & Terenghi, 1997), and conductive polymers, but combinations have also already been used (Figure 2). An artificial graft can meet many of the needs of regenerating fibres by concentrating neurotrophic factors, reducing cellular invasion and providing directional neuritis outgrowth to prevent neuroma formation.…”

Design of Protein‐Releasing Chitosan Channels

“…Typically, these have involved filling channels with a loose hydrogel matrix containing drug, 5,18 direct drug encapsulation into the channel walls, 19,20 or incorporation of separate drug delivery devices such as rods 21,22 or degradable microspheres. 23,24 Of these designs, microsphere-based systems are the most desirable because they allow for the greatest flexibility in controlling release rates.…”