A Novel Strategy for Treating Peripheral Nerve Injury

Nano Terra, Inc. and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute propose to develop a novel nerve grafting system that will support intrinsic neuronal repair (injuries 3 cm). The creation of an implantable device or devices utilizing a novel scaffold provides an opportunity to utilize a biocompatible material that can easily be manufactured to desired structural and mechanical specifications, i.e., fiber diameter (nano to microscale), mechanical strength (flexibility and tensile), pore size and continuity. In addition, the scaffold can be easily derivatized utilizing established surface chemistry methodologies (attachment of desired drugs, proteins and peptides in patterns or gradients) to promote and enhance cell specific adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation for both neuronal and non-neuronal supporting cells. Furthermore, the scaffold itself can be modified to provide the varying rates of degradation necessary to support tissue repair and engineering efforts focused on peripheral nerve injury.