Author: Aldiyarbek Nurlan
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
Injuries in which the peripheral nerve has been completely damaged, such as a deep cut from an accident, are difficult to treat. A common strategy, called autologous nerve transplantation, involves removing part of the peripheral nerve from other parts of the body and suturing it to the ends of the cut. However, the operation does not always restore function, and sometimes even requires repeated surgery.
The goal of the researchers was to develop an effective, fast-acting treatment that could replace autologous nerve transplantation. For this purpose, the authors of the work investigated conducting hydrogels.
Scientists have prepared a strong, but at the same time sufficiently extensible, conductive hydrogel containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide. The polymer had a three-dimensional microporous mesh structure, which, after implantation, allowed nerve cells to penetrate and attach, taking a direct part in the restoration of lost tissues.
The hydrogel implanted in rats with sciatic nerve injuries, two weeks later, restored the bioelectrical properties of the rats' nerves, while their walking was improved compared to untreated rats.
The researchers plan to continue studying this topic in order to create the most effective and fast-acting agent that restores damaged nerve fibers. According to the authors of the work, since the electrically conductive properties of the material are improved when exposed to near-infrared light that can penetrate into tissues, therefore, its use will further improve the recovery processes and increase the speed of nerve conduction.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201007085636.htm
