Aligned bacterial PHBV nanofi brous conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

The conventional method of peripheral nerve gap treatment is autografting. This method is limited. In this study, an aligned nanofi brous graft was formed using microbial polyester, Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The regenerative eff ect of the graft was compared with that of autografting in vivo. To determine the regenerative eff ect, rats were assessed with sciatic nerve functional index, electromyographic evaluation, and histological evaluation. Results found in this study include PHBV grafts stimulated progressive nerve regeneration, although regeneration was not comparable with that of autografting. We conclude that the study results were promising for aligned bacterial polymeric grafts for peripheral nerve regeneration.