An Optimized Collagen-Fibrin Blend Engineered Neural Tissue Promotes Peripheral Nerve Repair
Date
2018
Type:
Article
item.page.extent
item.page.accessRights
item.contributor.advisor
ORCID:
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
item.page.isbn
item.page.issn
item.page.issne
item.page.doiurl
item.page.other
item.page.references
Abstract
Tissue engineering approaches in nerve regeneration often aim to improve results by bridging nerve defects with conduits that mimic key features of the nerve autograft. One such approach uses Schwann cell self-alignment and stabilization within collagen gels to generate engineered neural tissue (EngNT). In this study, we investigated whether a novel blend of fibrin and collagen could be used to form EngNT, as before EngNT design a beneficial effect of fibrin on Schwann cell proliferation was observed. A range of blend formulations was tested in terms of mechanical behavior (gel formation, stabilization, swelling, tensile strength, and stiffness), and lead formulations were assessed in vitro. A 90% collagen 10% fibrin blend was found to promote SCL4.1/F7 Schwann cell viability and supported the formation of aligned EngNT, which enhanced neurite outgrowth in vitro (NG108 cells) compared to formulations with higher and lower fibrin content. Initial in vivo tests in an 8 mm rat sciatic nerve model using rolled collagen-fibrin EngNT rods revealed a significantly enhanced axonal count in the midsection of the repair, as well as in the distal part of the nerve after 4 weeks. This optimized collagen-fibrin blend therefore provides a novel way to improve the capacity of EngNT to promote regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.
Description
item.page.coverage.spatial
item.page.sponsorship
Citation
Schuh CMAP, Day AGE, Redl H, Phillips J. An Optimized Collagen-Fibrin Blend Engineered Neural Tissue Promotes Peripheral Nerve Repair. Tissue Eng Part A. 2018 Sep;24(17-18):1332-1340. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2017.0457. Epub 2018 Jun 13. PMID: 29652609; PMCID: PMC6150938.
Keywords
Engineered neural tissue, Fibrin, Collagen, Nerve regeneration