Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2015
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. Daniel Plas
Abstract
Injuries to the peripheral nervous system often result in the loss of sensory or motor function within the effected nerve. Nerve scaffolds provide the mechanical support and topographical cues to axon regeneration such that the gap within the injured nerve is bridged and functional recovery is restored. The Microchannel Peripheral Nerve Scaffold, µPNS, was fabricated from PDMS using micromachining techniques that allow for the unprecedented control of microchannel dimensions and paths and therefore, the production of highly customizable Nerve scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration applications. The device was then implanted within the sciatic nerves of a series of Lewis rats, and was removed after 4 weeks. Each device was then disassembled layer by layer so that every microchannel could be individually inspected. Longitudinal views of axon morphology throughout the length of the scaffolds were collected using three dimensional confocal imaging of the small axon population sample sets, including branching behaviors.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2015 Bong Kyun Kim. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/pdms-microchannel-scaffolds-isolation-individual/docview/1708673694/se-2?accountid=7119