Electroactive Conduits for Neuroregeneration: A Step Ahead

There are more than 600 conditions that can lead to nerve tissue loss and there is hardly any treatment other than the good old autologous nerve graft transplant to surpass the negative outcomes that result. Thus, nerve guide scaffolds are being essentially developed to fruitfully put stem cell-based therapy to use for nerve tissue repair and neuroregeneration.

We performed a literature search for studies on variety of electroconductive and electroactive scaffolds and conduits from different materials such as polypyrrole, polyurethane, graphene, carbon nanotubes, polycaprolactone and silk have been developed to achieve the aim of neuroregeneration.

The essential role of electrical stimulation (ES) and signaling has been realised in helping differentiation, proliferation, myelination and migration of neuronal cells along with axonal and neurite outgrowth. ES has also shown improved neurotrophic secretion by Schwann cells thereby increasing the chances of an efficient and functional regenerated nerve.

Electroconductive and electroactive nerve guide scaffolds and conduits are being essentially developed to fruitfully put stem cell-based therapy to use for nerve tissue repair and neuroregeneration.

In the development of electroconductive and electroactive nerve guide scaffolds and conduits, it is important to recreate all the characteristics of functional nerve tissue in their natural and functional form with appropriate mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

Hence, natural or synthetic biomaterials incorporated with electroconductive and electroactive potential may lead to a new generation of nerve conduits.

The following review sufficiently provides a detailed insight into the current research and future implications.