Peripheral nerve regeneration: An opinion on channels, scaffolds and anisotropy

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Biomaterials. 2006 Jul;27(19):3515-8. Epub 2006 Mar 14.

Peripheral nerve regeneration: An opinion on channels, scaffolds and

anisotropy.

Bellamkonda RV.

Neurological Biomaterials and Therapeutics, Laboratory for

Neuroengineering, Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical

Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, 313

Ferst Drive, Suite 3108, Atlanta, GA 30332-0535, USA.

Peripheral nerve regeneration presents a significant clinical

challenge and the current state of the art using autografts to repair

long peripheral nerve gaps is unsatisfactory. In this manuscript, the

analytical framework that determines the fate of grafts (autografts

or biomaterial-based grafts) is discussed. Also outlined are

parameters and variables that might be manipulated to enhance the

efficacy of scaffolds designed for peripheral nerve regeneration. The

importance of using appropriate animal models and outcome measures in

evaluating biomaterials-based scaffolds or other engineered

constructs suitability for bridging peripheral nerve gaps is

highlighted.