TR Red Group Research Proposal

Taleen Afeyan and Jessica Fessler

Project Overview

The subject of our research will be tissue engineering of nerve cells. Repairing and regenerating nerve cells is a particularly relevant subject because of the often-permanent affect nerve-damage has on patients. Nerve networks are extremely complex and require an entire system to work together and are therefore difficult to simulate and synthesize ex-vivo. We will specifically be looking at the best scaffolding technique for nerve growth.

Tentative Topic

1. Research the possibility of applying polymer nanofiber technology, first in in vivo conditions and then explore possibility of using in animal subjects.
2. Optimize manufacturing of nanofibers for nerve regeneration based on compilation of different groups research regarding this topic.

Background Information

Useful Articles

• Electrospun Conducting Polymer Nanofibers and Electrical Stimulation of Nerve Stem Cells: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389172311002696
  • This paper explores tissue engineering, specifically of nerve stem cells. The scaffold used in this experiment was comprised of polymeric, conductive, electrospun nanofibers. The stem cells were then stimulated using electrical pulses. The findings of the study showed that cells grown on stimulated scaffolds grew faster and larger than those on regular scaffolds. This could be used in nerve tissue regeneration in injuries and medical defects.
• Development of Biomaterial Scaffold for Nerve Tissue Engineering: Biomaterial Mediated Neural Regeneration: http://www.jbiomedsci.com/content/16/1/108
• Review: Bioengineering Approaches for Guided Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: http://jmbe.bme.ncku.edu.tw/index.php/bme/article/view/768/822
  • This article reviews the research efforts that integrate bioengineering approaches. Peripheral nerve injury is a serious health concern for society, affecting 2.8% of trauma patients, many of whom acquire long-term disability, and the related socioeconomic costs are relatively expensive. Current techniques in peripheral nerve repair include the use of autografts and nerve conduits to bridge the nerve gap. Bioengineers have developed a variety of nerve conduits to improve nerve regeneration, as well as employed functionalized bioactive additives to the nerve conduits.