The artificial fibers connect the two nerve endings, give the damaged nerve cells the direction of growth and offer them support. Initial promising results show that the chances of recovery are significantly increased, the university reported in a press release on Monday.
Damage to the nervous system can lead to paralysis of the facial muscles, fingers and hands, or even the feet and toes. Those affected often suffer from it for a very long time, sometimes their entire life. Damage to the peripheral nervous system – located outside the brain and spinal cord – is so severe because the nerve pathways only regenerate very slowly. Previously, pieces of less important peripheral nerves were taken and inserted into the gaps in the damaged nerve pathways. However, this damages the donor nerve, so that paralysis and loss of sensation still occur.
More quality of life for patients
Implants that support nerve regeneration are intended to increase the quality of life of these patients. “Especially in the case of severe defects in nerve tracts, the nerve cells need targeted support in order to bridge the interruption between the damaged nerve endings,” explains Sebastian Lifka from the JKU Institute of Medical and Biomechatronics and first author of the paper created as part of the project. The JKU researchers have succeeded in producing the necessary nanofibers using a special electrospinning process. Experiments with mouse Schwann cells showed that the nerve cells actually oriented themselves to the fibers and grew specifically in the direction of the fibers.
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Source: Nachrichten