File(s) under permanent embargo
Reason: This item is currently closed access.
Three-dimensional alignment of schwann cells using hydrolysable microfiber scaffolds: strategies for peripheral nerve repair
journal contribution
posted on 2017-05-12, 10:47 authored by Celia Murray-Dunning, Sally L. McArthur, Tao SunTao Sun, Robert J. McKean, Anthony J. Ryan, John W. HaycockInjuries to the peripheral nervous system affect 1 in 1,000 individuals each
year. The implication of sustaining such an injury is considerable with loss
of sensory and/or motor function. The economic implications too are
extensive running into millions of pounds (or dollars) annually for provision
and support. The natural regrowth of peripheral nerves is possible for small
gap injuries (of approximately 1-2 mm). However, patients with larger gap
injuries require surgical intervention. The "gold standard" for repairing gap
injuries is autografting; however, there are problems associated with this
approach, and so, the use of nerve guidance conduits (NGC) is a realistic
alternative. We outline in this chapter the development of an NGC that
incorporates aligned poly-L-lactide fibres for supporting the growth of
organised Schwann cells within a three-dimensional scaffold in vitro. A
closed loop bioreactor for growing cells within NGC scaffolds is described
together with a method of plasma deposition for modifying the microfibre
surface chemistry (which improves the ability of Schwann cells to attach)
and confocal microscopy for measuring cell viability and alignment within
3D constructs.
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Chemical Engineering