Ink-Jet Printed Nerve Conduits

描述（由申请人提供）：由于创伤导致的瘫痪和神经功能丧失突出了对能够恢复神经功能的植入式器械的需求，而不需要自体神经移植物来增加组织损伤。这项研究的重点是通过两种方式增强神经再生。首先，神经引导导管的制造精度和控制将得到提高。这将导致神经导管在八周内生物吸收，通过打印的外部支撑结构抵抗体内压缩，并具有均匀的孔隙率。导管内的NGF梯度将通过使用高精度喷墨产生。富含NGF的聚合物将沉积成数字控制的图案。实现本项目的目标将导致具有上述特征的神经引导导管的制造和在动物模型中神经再生的验证。这项研究计划将在三个机构MicroFab、德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校和加州大学欧文分校进行。神经导管将在MicroFab进行建模、设计、制造和测试，它们将在德克萨斯大学进行进一步表征和体外研究，体内实验、步行轨迹分析和电生理学研究将在欧文市的加州大学进行。这三个小组之间的密切合作将确保项目的成功。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Paralysis and loss of nerve function through trauma highlight the need for implantable device capable of restoring nerve function, without increasing tissue damage by requiring autologous nerve grafts. This study focuses on enhancing nerve regeneration in two ways First, fabrication precision and control for nerve guidance conduits will be increased This will result in nerve conduits that bioabsorb in eight weeks, resist in vivo compression through printed external support structures, and have uniform porosity Second, an NGF gradient within the conduit will be created by using high-precision ink jets NGF-enriched polymer will be deposited into a digitally controlled pattern. Achievement of the aims of this project will result in fabrication of nerve guidance conduits with the above-mentioned features and verification of nerve regeneration in animal models. The research plan will be carried out at three institutions MicroFab, University of Texas, Austin, and University of California, Irvine. Nerve conduits will be modeled, designed, fabricated and tested at MicroFab, they will be further characterized and in vitro studies will be carried out at University of Texas, and in vivo experiments, Walking-Track analysis, and electrophysiological studies will be carried out at University of California, Irvine. Proven cooperation among these three groups will insure project success.