| Summary: | 碩士 === 中臺科技大學 === 醫學工程暨材料研究所 === 95 === The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the feasibility of a novel and biodegradable nerve guide conduit in peripheral nerve regeneration. A naturally occurring proanthocyanidin (PA), which was obtained from grape seeds, was selected as a cross-linking reagent. The nerve guide conduit was prepared with proanthocyanidin cross-linked gelatin (PCG). It was found that 5 wt% of proanthocyanidin was optimal for complete cross-linking reaction in the PCG conduit. The PCG conduit was brownish in appearance, which was concentric and round with a rough outer surface whereas its inner lumen was smooth. The cross-linked networks of the PCG conduit were stable in the aqueous state compared with uncross-linked gelatin film and could resist the enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro degradation studies. Furthermore, proanthocyanidin and gelatin were found to release from the soaked PCG conduit. It was noted that there were three different release stages for the PCG conduits during the soaking period. During released phase, the concentration of proanthocyanidin, gelatin and PCG-soaking solutions not only exhibited no toxicity but also promoted the viability and growth of Schwann cells. Moreover, the PCG conduit showed a better ability to support cell attachment and growth. Finally, the effectiveness of the PCG conduit as a guidance channel was examined as it was used to repair a 10 mm gap in the rat sciatic nerve. Throughout the 8 weeks of experimental period, neither dislocations of the conduits nor neuroma formation at their proximal or distal coaptation site was seen for all of the rats. The PCG conduits were maintained intact and still remained circular with a round lumen. Peak amplitude and area under the muscle action potential curve both showed an increase as a function of the recovery period, indicating that the nerve had undergone adequate regeneration. Histological observation showed that numerous regenerated nerve fibers, mostly unmyelinated and myelinated axons crossed through and beyond the gap region 8 weeks after operation. The PCG conduit can not only be an effective aids for regenerating nerves but can also lead to favorable nerve functional recovery. These results suggest that the PCG conduit can be a candidate for peripheral nerve repair.
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