Projects
Nerve Guide Product
Development of a Nerve Guide Product for Promoting Neural Integration and Migration
Lead N8 Academic: Dr John Haycock, Sheffield
The Problem:
Peripheral nerve injury causes paralysis and an altered or absent feeling in the skin and muscles supplied by the injured nerve. Recovery occurs only after nerve repair by re-growth of the axons. However, recovery is slow (6-24 months) and disappointingly poor - adults never regain normal function and the majority struggle to return to work after a major nerve injury.
The Technology:
We propose to fabricate nerve conduit devices made from poly hydroxybutyrate (PHB, a material used in clinical trial). Conduits will be accurately fabricated using weave and braiding technologies to form aligned microfibers. In addition we will also enhance the surface chemistry of the nerve conduit fibres by a plasma deposition technique. Deposition of a very thin and stable coating will not only maintain the existing properties of PHB, but in addition will promote Schwann cell and neuronal cell adhesion and migration. The ability to promote Schwann cell growth is essential for stimulating peripheral nerve regeneration.
The Aims:
The aims of the project are:
1. To braid and weave PHB to form longitudinally aligned microfibers in the construction of a nerve guide.
2. Surface plasma polymerization of braided PHB nerve guides
3. Culture of primary Schwann cells and neuronal cells on to PHB nerve guides in vitro for selection of an optimal surface treatment for supporting adhesion and migration.
4. Implantation of the optimal PHB-plasma polymer conduit in vivo to a rat nerve injury model for a histological study of nerve repair.
The Benefits
Our collaboration will enable us to undertake a project that maintains the major beneficial properties of PHB nerve conduits but importantly improves the design, by actively stimulating nerve cell growth (using surface activation) and improving physical guidance (using an accurate manufacturing technology).
There are two innovative parts to the project: 1) The manufacture of nerve conduits by accurately braiding PHB fibres and 2) imparting surface functionality on to PHB. These tasks will be undertaken between the two academic partners and Xiros.
The regulatory aspects of developing novel nerve guides will have the benefit of being overseen by Medwise International, and the potential translation of these devices in to the clinic will be advised upon by a consultant plastic / hand surgeon.
