Chitosan nanofiber composed nerve conduit for directing axonal growth

Abstract

Schwann cell-seeded guidance channels have been exploited to bridge and guide axonal re-growth across gaps in lesioned nerves. By orienting the Schwann cell growth on aligned nanofibers, we hypothesized that axonal growth can be guided along the designated direction towards the target. Chitosan as the choice scaffold material given its biocompatibility and the tunable susceptibility to biodegradation. Chitosan was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid/methylene chloride solution and for electrospinning onto a high speed rotating collector ...