Development of new types of fully biocompatible scaffolds with organosilane fibres intended for peripheral nerve repair

Peripheral nerve injuries are most often seen together with cuts on the limbs. Nerves in the area of the forearm and wrist are typically affected - the ulnar nerve and the median nerve. An injury to an individual nerve can be complete (complete transection of the nerve) or partial (incision of the nerve). Currently, it is performed surgically by suturing the nerve under a microscope using a microsurgical technique. It is often necessary to perform a secondary reconstruction of tendons or vessels, and the operation is time-consuming. In the case of a missing nerve, i.e., when a devastating injury occurs, there is currently no sufficient surgical solution and it is necessary to use a suitable scaffold to help bridge and heal the damaged nerve. Current solutions, both commercial and scientific, always offer only one solution, i.e. a tissue carrier, which only fulfils a partial need of the healing process itself. In this project, we will use our interdisciplinary experience in the fields of biomechanics, neurosurgery and tissue engineering. The goal of the proposed project will be to create an implant construct that will contain a supporting biocompatible material – medically grade silicone. This material will create support matrix that will be suitable for its mechanical properties (strength together with flexibility), but will also serve as a part of the structure that will cover the endings of the severed nerves and keep them in close contact without the need to create a large number of sutures. This construct (in various shapes) will supplemented with hybrid, organosilane fibers designed to promote the differentiation of stem cells into fetal neuroblasts. This effect has already been confirmed in advance using in vitro testing in cooperation with the Physiological Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. It is intended, during the project, to create and test several shapes of the supporting silicone matrix with different types of organosilane fibers. The final construct tested in terms of shape and mechanical properties supplemented with the most suitable form of organosilane fibers will then be tested in vivo on a laboratory rat model.