Preclinical study of peripheral nerve regeneration using nerve guidance conduits based on polyhydroxyalkanaotes

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are used as an alternative to the “gold standard” nerve autografting, preventing need for surgical intervention required harvest autologous nerves. However, regeneration outcomes achieved with current NGCs only comparable autografting when gap is short (less than 10 mm). In present study, we have developed made from a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoates, family natural resorbable polymers. Hollow 75:25 poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHA-NGCs) were manufactured using dip-molding. These PHA-NGCs showed appropriate flexibility peripheral regeneration. vitro cell studies performed RT4-D6P2T rat Schwann line confirmed that material capable sustaining proliferation and adhesion. then implanted in vivo repair mm gaps median female Wistar rats 12 weeks. Functional evaluation regenerated grasping test displayed similar motor recovery autograft, starting week 7. Additionally, cross-sectional area, density number myelinated cells, well axon diameter, fiber myelin thickness g-ratio obtained found autograft. This preclinical data indeed highly promising candidates