[Research progress of tissue engineered nerve grafts].
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the recent advance in the research of tissue engineered nerve grafts.


METHODS
The clinical and experimental research papers about tissue engineered nerve grafts were extensively reviewed and analyzed.


RESULTS
The porosity, mechanical property and surface topography of a nerve scaffold, which was either made up of natural biodegradable polymers or synthetic polyesters, were pivotal factors that influenced the capacity of the scaffold in supporting nerve regeneration. Of various candidate supporting cells for nerve tissue engineering, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells had been paid more attention because of their advantages. Several model designs of drug delivery systems for controlled release of growth factors had been attempted. In clinical settings, short nerve gaps were demonstrated to be treatable with several nerve conduits which were commercially available, with functional recovery approximating to nerve autografting.


CONCLUSIONS
The field of nerve tissue engineering has witnessed a rapid development not only in experimental research but also in clinical application.
Gu
Xiaosong
X
Key Laboratory of Neuroregeration, Nantong University, Nantong Jiangsu, 226001, P R China. neurongu@public.nt.js.cn
D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D023822:Tissue Engineering