THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOARTIFICIAL NERVE GRAFTS FOR PERIPHERAL-NERVE REGENERATION

This article describes recent, significant scientific advances leading to the development of the bioartificial nerve graft. Schwann cells, w hich play an active role in the repair and function of peripheral nerv es, are used to seed a synthetic, often resorbable conduit, which is t hen used to bridge and repair nerve gaps caused by injury or disease. By enhancing the rate and extent of regeneration, the bioartificial ne rve graft holds great promise for improving recovery in the peripheral (and central) nervous system.