Morphological Characteristics of Tubular Polymeric Scaffold to Improve Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

• Published in: The FASEB journal Vol. 36 Suppl 1
• Main Authors: Dias, Fernando J, Alarcón Apablaza, Josefa B, Lezcano, Maria F, Lopez, Alex, Godoy, Karina, Oporto, Gonzalo H, Fazan, Valéria P S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2022
• ISSN: 1530-6860
• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.0R719

Peripheral nerve damage causes loss of quality of life due to loss of function. An innovative and promising solution has been the "nerve guide conduits" (NGC) that morphologically must mimic the characteristics of the extracellular matrix to enhance nerve regeneration. To gather and describe the main features that should be considered when preparing polymeric NGC to improve peripheral nerve regeneration. For this purpose, a Scoping Review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Only primary studies that analyzed the morphological characteristics of polymeric NGC associated with peripheral nerve regeneration were included. 704 studies were found in the different databases, and only 52 were selected following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The review of selected studies showed that the polymeric NGC morphological characteristics found were: 1. NGC diameter affects the mechanical properties of the scaffold. 2. Wall thickness of NGC determines the exchange of nutrients, molecules, and neurotrophins between the internal and external environment; and influences the mechanical properties and biodegradation. NGC 3. porosity, 4. pore size, and 5. pore distribution also affects exchanges of substances, their mechanical properties, and biodegradation. The 6. alignment of the NGC fibers influences the phenotype of cells involved in nerve regeneration. And finally, the 7. thickness of the polymeric fiber influences neurite extension and orientation. Considering the revised literature, a polymeric NGC should consider its diameter adjusted to the nerve with wall thickness, porosity, pore size, and distribution of pores, to favor vascularization, permeability, and exchange of nutrients, and retention of neurotrophic factors, also favoring its mechanical properties and biodegradability.