Published January 1, 2016 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Sciatic nerve regeneration induced by glycosaminoglycan and laminin mimetic peptide nanofiber gels

  • 1. Bilkent Univ, Natl Nanotechnol Res Ctr UNAM, Institute Mat Sci & Nanotechnol, TR-06800 Ankara, Turkey
  • 2. Gulhane Mil Med Acad, Dept Plast & Reconstruct Surg, TR-06010 Ankara, Turkey
  • 3. Gulhane Mil Med Acad, Haydarpasa Training Hosp, Dept Plast & Reconstruct Surg, TR-34668 Istanbul, Turkey
  • 4. Gulhane Mil Med Acad, Dept Neurol, TR-06010 Ankara, Turkey

Description

In the USA, 20 million patients suffer from neuropathy caused by peripheral nerve injuries, which costs approximately $150 billion annually. For longer nerve gaps and multiple injury sites, it is essential to use nerve guidance conduits for healthy pathfinding of regenerating axons. Here, extracellular matrix mimetic peptide nanofiber hydrogels were used for functionalizing guidance conduits to enhance neuronal regeneration in the distal stump of full transaction sciatic nerve injury in rats with functional repair. Conduits filled with heparan sulfate and laminin mimetic peptide nanofibers significantly improved electromyography response and promoted neuronal regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve defect. In addition, Schwann cells cultured on these nanofibers showed increased viability and significantly enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) release. Overall, these results suggest that extracellular matrix mimetic peptide nanofibers present a promising treatment option for peripheral nerve injuries.

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