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Fabrication and Implantation of Gel-Filled Nerve Guidance Channels

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Tissue Engineering Methods and Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Medicine™ ((MIMM,volume 18))

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Abstract

In human adults, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is capable of healing and regeneration. In order to reestablish function, nerve tissue must heal by true regeneration of a functional structure, since healing by simple scar will not reestablish electrical connectivity. Nerve guidance systems have been used experimentally to enhance regeneration through the use of functionalized gels, the delivery of growth-promoting molecules, and the use of neuronal support cells or genetically engineered cells. The objectives of this chapter are to overview the methods used to construct gels for nerve stimulating regeneration and to outline the surgical techniques to implant nerve guidance systems.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomaterials, Cells and, Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

    Ravi V. Bellamkonda

  2. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI

    Robert F. Valentini

Authors
  1. Ravi V. Bellamkonda
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  2. Robert F. Valentini
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

    Jeffrey R. Morgan PhD  & Martin L. Yarmush MD  & 

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© 1999 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Bellamkonda, R.V., Valentini, R.F. (1999). Fabrication and Implantation of Gel-Filled Nerve Guidance Channels. In: Morgan, J.R., Yarmush, M.L. (eds) Tissue Engineering Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Medicine™, vol 18. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-516-6:101

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-516-6:101

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-516-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-602-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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