Rapid prototyping of a double-layer polyurethane-collagen conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration.
A new technique for preparing double-layer polyurethane (PU)-collagen nerve conduits for peripheral nerve repair via a double-nozzle, low-temperature, deposition manufacturing (DLDM) system has been developed. The DLDM system is based on a digital prototyping approach, and uses a combination of thermally induced phase separation and freeze-drying. With this system, two kinds of biomaterials with different properties can be combined to produce scaffold structures with good biocompatibility in the inner layer and with the desired mechanical strength protruded by the outer. The forming precision is high, the wall thickness can be controlled, and a tight connection between the two layers can be achieved. The effects of changing the processing parameters and the material temperature on the structure of the scaffolds have been investigated. Additionally, the effect of material concentration on the mechanical strength and hydrophilic properties of the scaffolds has also been studied. Ideal peripheral nerve repair conduits, comprising an outer microporous layer of PU and internal oriented filaments of collagen, have been manufactured through optimizing the processing parameters and the biomaterial concentrations.
Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education , Beijing, PR China.
Tongkui
T
Cui
Yongnian
Y
Yan
Renji
R
Zhang
Li
L
Liu
Wei
W
Xu
Xiaohong
X
Wang
D000042:Absorption; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008422:Materials Testing; D019563:Mechanics; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016062:Porosity / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water
D011140:Polyurethanes; D014867:Water; D003094:Collagen