Prospects of Using Chitosan-Based Biopolymers in the Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries are common neurological disorders, and the available treatment options, such as conservative management and surgical repair, often yield limited results. However, there is growing interest in the potential of using chitosan-based biopolymers as a novel therapeutic approach to treating these injuries. Chitosan-based biopolymers possess unique characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to stimulate cell proliferation, making them highly suitable for repairing nerve defects and promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Furthermore, these biopolymers can be utilized in drug delivery systems to control the release of therapeutic agents and facilitate the growth of nerve cells. This comprehensive review focuses on the latest advancements in utilizing chitosan-based biopolymers for peripheral nerve regeneration. By harnessing the potential of chitosan-based biopolymers, we can pave the way for innovative treatment strategies that significantly improve the outcomes of peripheral nerve injury repair, offering renewed hope and better prospects for patients in need.

Multichannel Conduits with Fascicular Complementation: Significance in Long Segmental Peripheral Nerve Injury

“…The conduit made from collagen type I is FDA-approved as a nerve conduit due to its prevalence in the extracellular matrix of natural nerve tissue, facilitating cell–cell communication and enhancing cell growth rate . Chitosan, another extensively researched biomaterial for nerve repair, features amino and hydroxyl groups on its conduit surface, serving as adhesive sites for cells and aiding in nerve regeneration . Bacterial cellulose is increasingly attractive due to its reduced cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, making it suitable for prolonged use since mammalian systems lack cellulase to readily degrade it.…”

“…56 Chitosan, another extensively researched biomaterial for nerve repair, features amino and hydroxyl groups on its conduit surface, serving as adhesive sites for cells and aiding in nerve regeneration. 57 Bacterial cellulose is increasingly attractive due to its reduced cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, making it suitable for prolonged use since mammalian systems lack cellulase to readily degrade it. Additionally, bacterial cellulose helps prevent scar tissue formation by removing fibroblast cells at the injury site.…”

Management of peripheral nerve injuries using natural based biomaterials and their derivatives: Advances and prospective

“…Additionally, PCL's biocompatibility ensures minimal adverse reactions when implanted in the body, promoting a favorable environment for nerve regeneration. 124 The material's ability to support cell adhesion and migration contributes to its efficacy in fostering the growth of new nerve tissue. Overall, PCL-based NGCs hold promise in promoting successful nerve regeneration due to their biodegradability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility.…”

Review of Piezoelectrical Materials Potentially Useful for Peripheral Nerve Repair

“…Chitin and chitosan possess several advantageous features, namely biocompatibility, biodegradability, amenability to create various geometrical forms (porous scaffolds, hydrogels, fibers, sponges, films, etc. ), chemical and enzymatic modifiability, antimicrobial characteristics, potential for controlled release of cytokines, antibiotics and extracellular matrix constituents, the ability to promote cell adherence and viability [82]. The characteristics mentioned above led to multiple studies on the potential use of chitosan and chitin in reconstruction of peripheral nerves [117].…”