BIOENGINEERING THE ARTIFICIAL NERVE

Abstract

At present, peripheral nerve injury represents a complex challenge for the surgeons, and the repair of these injuries often results in sub-optimal recovery and functional deficit. The neurobiology of nerve regeneration cannot be adequately addressed by the existing surgical techniques, and it has become apparent that tissue engineering and the creation of nerve conduits have significant potential to improve the results of nerve reconstruction. The use of novel biomaterials and more refined fabrication methods, by using micro- and nano-technology, are a promising development for these experimental constructs. Also, the use of cells transplanted into the conduit to create a bioartificial nerve graft represents a new development. Adult stem cells constitute the ideal alternative to Schwann cells, and among the various sources of stem cells with potential application for regenerative medicine the adipose tissue has been proven to be the most promising. Adult adipose-derived stem cells are easily obtained, they expand rapidly and can be differentiated to Schwann cells, hence they represent a new strategy for clinical application in order to improve the results of nerve re generation.