Polybutylene succinate artificial scaffold for peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

Regeneration and recovery of nerve tissues are a great challenge for medicine, and positively affect the quality of life of patients. The development of tissue engineering offers a new approach to the problem with the creation of multifunctional artificial scaffolds that act on various levels in the damaged tissue, providing physical and biochemical support for the growth of nerve cells. In this study, the effects of the use of a tubular scaffold made of polybutylene succinate (PBS), surgically positioned at the level of a sciatic nerve injured in rat, between the proximal stump and the distal one, was investigated. Scaffolds characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microcomputed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in vivo. The demonstration of the nerve regeneration was based on the evaluation of electroneurography, measuring the weight of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, histological examination of regenerated nerves and observing the recovery of the locomotor activity of animals. The PBS tubular scaffold minimized iatrogenic trauma on the nerve, acting as a directional guide for the regenerating fibers by conveying them toward the distal stump. In this context, neurotrophic and neurotropic factors may accumulate and perform their functions, while invasion by macrophages and scar tissue is hampered.

Recent insight into the biomedical applications of polybutylene succinate and polybutylene succinate-based materials

“…The scaffolds consist of large surface area, high porosity, and good elasticity which afforded the scaffolds with facilitated cell proliferation. The development of artificial scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration using electrospinning was demonstrated by Cicero and colleagues [49]. The resultant 3D PBS-based scaffolds were flexible thin sheets with diameters ranging between 1-5 microns.…”

“…The clinical studies of PBS-based scaffolds have been conducted using rats in various labs such as Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia in Italy which was authorized by the Ministry of Health. The findings indicated that PBS scaffold has the potential as an implantable material for improving the regeneration of injured tissue in rats as well as shortening the time for nerve regeneration [49]. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study performed clinical trials on humans.…”

Improved Bone Regeneration Using Biodegradable Polybutylene Succinate Artificial Scaffold in a Rabbit Model

“…It has excellent processability and proven biocompatibility making it a promising polymer for various biomedical applications [ 13 , 14 ]. Recently, a planar PBS microfibrillar scaffold was successfully implanted in a rat model, as a nerve regeneration tool [ 15 ]. A recent study demonstrated complete biodegradability and the absence of inflammation in high-resolution MRI investigation, showing complete reabsorption by 120 days post-implant [ 15 ].…”

Polybutylene Succinate Processing and Evaluation as a Micro Fibrous Graft for Tissue Engineering Applications

“…Cicero et al used PBS as a planar microfibrillar scaffold implanted as a conduit, in a rat model, to preserve nerve continuity and promote its regeneration. They observed biodegradability from high resolution MRI investigation showing complete reabsorption in 120 days post implant [ 26 ]. Almeida et al produced and characterized anisotropic planar scaffolds through weft knitting.…”