A 3D-printed nerve
regeneration pathway implanted in a rat helped
to improve walking
in 10 to 12 weeks after implantation.
(September 18, 2015) Research
could help more than 200,000 people annually who suffer from nerve injuries or
disease
A national team of researchers has developed a
first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed guide that helps regrow both the sensory and
motor functions of complex nerves after injury. The groundbreaking research has
the potential to help more than 200,000 people annually who experience nerve
injuries or disease.
Collaborators on the project are from the University of
Minnesota, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, Princeton University, and
Johns Hopkins University.
Nerve regeneration is a complex process. Because of this
complexity, regrowth of nerves after injury or disease is very rare, according
to the Mayo Clinic. Nerve damage is often permanent. Advanced 3D printing
methods may now be the solution.
In a new study, published today in the journal Advanced
Functional Materials, researchers used a combination of 3D imaging and 3D
printing techniques to create a custom silicone guide implanted with
biochemical cues to help nerve regeneration. The guide’s effectiveness was
tested in the lab using rats.
To achieve their results, researchers used a 3D scanner to
reverse engineer the structure of a rat’s sciatic nerve. They then used a
specialized, custom-built 3D printer to print a guide for regeneration.
Incorporated into the guide were 3D-printed chemical cues to promote both motor
and sensory nerve regeneration. The guide was then implanted into the rat by
surgically grafting it to the cut ends of the nerve. Within about 10 to 12
weeks, the rat’s ability to walk again was improved.