Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Biodegradable “Electrospun Caprolactone” Nerve Conduits in Peripheral Nerve Regenerations

Introduction: In peripheral nerve system injuries, nerve grafts or nerve conduits are used to bridge the gap when an injured nerve could not be primarily repaired. The purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of nerve conduits produced from biodegradable Electrospun Caprolactone in peripheral nerve regenerations.

Methodology and Material: Four groups (N = 8), a total of 32 rats, were included in the study. A nerve defect of 1 cm was constructed in the left sciatic nerve of the rats. These defects were left denuded in the Sham group, and reconstructed with nerve grafts, Poly(lactic acid-ε caprolactone) nerve conduits, and Electrospun Caprolactone nerve conduits in the other groups. After 3 months, nerve regenerations were evaluated macroscopically, microscopically and elecrophysiologicaly.

Results: No regeneration was observed in the Sham group. Macroscopically, all nerve coaptations were intact and biodegradation was detected in nerve conduits. Electromyography of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles displayed best regeneration in the nerve graft group and similar results in Poly (lactic acid-&#949; caprolactone) nerve conduit, and Electrospun Caprolactone nerve conduit groups (p < 0.005). Light and electron microscopy studies demonstrated nerve regeneration in both nerve conduit groups, but maximally in the nerve graft group.

Conclusions: Although best results are encountered with nerve grafts, donor site morbidity restricts the use of nerve grafts. It is concluded that biodegradable Electrospun Caprolactone nerve conduits, and Poly (lactic acid-&#949; caprolactone) nerve conduits caused similar nerve regenerations and are good alternatives to nerve grafts as they biodegrade.