A handcrafted multi-branch nerve scaffold for in vivo peripheral nerve regeneration

Author

Ridwan Fayaz Hossain, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Yoonsu Choi

Second Advisor

Dr. Hasina F. Huq

Third Advisor

Dr. Nazmul Islam

Abstract

Arm and leg peripheral nerve injuries contribute largely to functional disability. These injuries seldom affect a single-line nerve; rather the injury goes beyond and disrupts the nerve tissue across multiple nerve paths. Here we investigate handcrafted PDMS based multi-branch nerve guidance conduit, which addresses this crucial branching from the sciatic nerve to aid with the regeneration to their appropriate distal targets. The design concept of the developed multiple branch nerve scaffolds is not specific for the sciatic nerve but can be modified for general use of all peripheral nerves and additional applications. Microchannels are also fabricated into a device in order to guide axons to reach the distal ends, which in turn allow regenerating nerves to reach the target muscles. Experiments are performed on Lewis rats to demonstrate the effectiveness of this nerve conduit. Successful nerve regeneration was confirmed from histological analysis of the harvested nerves from all four branches.

Comments

Copyright 2015 Ridwan Fayaz Hossain. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/handcrafted-multi-branch-nerve-scaffold-i-vivo/docview/1771508813/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Hossain, Ridwan Fayaz, "A handcrafted multi-branch nerve scaffold for in vivo peripheral nerve regeneration" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 45.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/45