Designing a multi-material nerve graft utilizing novel biofabrication techniques to promote peripheral nerve regeneration in injuries greater than 5.0 centimeters in length

Over 20 million people in the United States have peripheral nerve injuries, which result in approximately $150 billion spent in annual health-care dollars in the United States. For those living with peripheral nerve injuries spanning over 5 centimeters, treatment options can be especially elusive. With a nine-month literature review spanning hundreds of journal articles as well as interviews with multiple experts, a novel theoretical peripheral nerve conduit was designed. Market requirements for an optimal nerve conduit include that it must promote neural regeneration, be surgically friendly, have a broad availability in a consistent form, be biocompatible, and eliminate donor site pain. Based upon the literature review and expert interviews, the following design inputs were established. Outer material of the conduit would be comprised of polycaprolactone (PCL), extruded through a 3-D printer into a scaffold. PCL is biodegradable and has been demonstrated to not trigger an immune response in the body. The unique nanostructure of the conduit would contribute to its high porosity; elevated porosity has been shown to promote cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation. Graphene would comprise the inner layer of the conduit, as it’s highly electroconductive properties are conducive to better neural cell communication and has demonstrated biocompatibility.