Peripheral Nervous System Regeneration
We are interested in using biomimetic 3D scaffolds that draw their design inspiration from the principles of contact guidance, haptotaxis or chemotaxis to guide and enhance regeneration across long peripheral nerve gaps (> 25mm). We implement our design criteria using submicron-diameter filaments, alone or in combination with trophic factors, to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. Our group has demonstrated that our tissue-engineered scaffolds perform as well as autologous nerve grafts in regenerating sciatic nerves across a 17mm gap in vivo. We are working on extending this technology for longer nerve gaps, and also in understanding the mechanics of how scaffolds promote regeneration.
These projects have been funded by grants from the NIH, the Georgia Research Alliance, and the Georgia Tech/Emory Center for the Engineering of Living Tissues.
Sub-Projects
Effect of Schwann Cell Alignment on Nerve Regeneration
- Vivek Mukhatyar
Contact Guidance-Based Nerve Regeneration
- Isaac Clements
- Vivek Mukhatyar