Bioabsorbable Polymer-Based Nerve Conduits

DESCRIPTION: We will construct bifurcated (Y-shaped), three-dimensional,
biologically active and bioabsorbable polymer-based nerve conduits using
ink-jet microdispensing technology for the purpose of facilitating peripheral
nerve repair through methods of tissue engineering. These bifurcated,
polymer-based nerve conduits will be created under a digitally controlled
ink-jet platform to assure direct control of conduit dimensions and
construction of B-Nerve Growth Factor (B-NGF) gradients in order to demonstrate
selective neurite outgrowth from PC-12 cells based on the abundance of conduit
ligated B-NGF in a three-dimensional space. By applying our ink-jet technology
we will be able to fabricate nerve conduits containing biomolecule
step-gradients that will ultimately enable tissue engineers to selectively
control the pathways neurites take to different target areas, and eliminate
current barriers associated with current nerve guidance conduits such as
non-specific target reinervation. When compared with current mold-based conduit
fabrication, ink-jet technology based printing offers a degree of selectivity,
specificity, and micro-material deposition otherwise unavailable.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE