Three-dimensional conductive constructs for nerve regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res A 2009 Nov;91(2):519-27
Date
11/06/2008Pubmed ID
18985787DOI
10.1002/jbm.a.32226Scopus ID
2-s2.0-70349445295 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 43 CitationsAbstract
The unique electrochemical properties of conductive polymers can be utilized to form stand-alone polymeric tubes and arrays of tubes that are suitable for guides to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. Noncomposite, polypyrrole (PPy) tubes ranging in inner diameter from 25 microm to 1.6 mm as well as multichannel tubes were fabricated by electrodeposition. While oxidation of the pyrrole monomer causes growth of the film, brief subsequent reduction allowed mechanical dissociation from the electrode mold, creating a stand-alone, conductive PPy tube. Conductive polymer nerve guides made in this manner were placed in transected rat sciatic nerves and shown to support nerve regeneration over an 8-week time period.
Author List
George PM, Saigal R, Lawlor MW, Moore MJ, LaVan DA, Marini RP, Selig M, Makhni M, Burdick JA, Langer R, Kohane DSAuthor
Michael W. Lawlor MD, PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pathology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Absorbable ImplantsAnimals
Biocompatible Materials
Electric Conductivity
Electrochemistry
Male
Nerve Regeneration
Polymers
Pyrroles
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Sciatic Nerve