Neurorraphy associated to biofabricated 3D wraps for nerve injury repair

• Grant number: 23/14479-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
• Grantee: Igor Pereira Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

End-to-end neurorrhaphy shows low regenerative success leading to persistent functional deficits. New technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting allow the biofabrication of nerve constructs functionalized with neurotrophic factors crucial in neuroregeneration. This study will use nerve wraps made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) incorporated with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) developed in our laboratory. In vivo, functional and electrophysiological recovery will be analyzed in the short and long term after neurotmesis of the sciatic nerve and repair by end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Finally, morphometric analysis, Schwann cell (SC) reactivity and proliferation, cytoskeletal structuring and the production of neurotrophic factors in the regenerated nerve will be carried out. We believe that nerve bandages can optimize the regenerative process, associated with the controlled release of FGF-2 and a reduction in the formation of scar tissue. This approach could be a therapeutic alternative with translational potential in the treatment of traumatic injuries to the peripheral nervous system (PNS).