Electrically conductive materials for nerve regeneration

Abstract

In order to achieve complete functional recovery of an injured neural tissue, approaches seek to develop a material construct that combines several cues to modulate cell behavior, whether it be to guide regenerating axons to reconnect with target tissue or to elicit migration and growth factor release by support cells. Cells respond to cues in the microenvironment. Topographical, chemical, mechanical, and electrical cues have all separately (and in limited combination) been shown to guide and direct these behaviors (Fig. 5.1) (Wrobel 2013; Rodriguez and Schneider 2013). Ideally, multiple cues could be presented spatially and temporally during the regeneration process.