Nanofiber-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Repair and Regeneration

We are seeking to augment tissue repair and regeneration by developing biomimetic scaffolds capable of recapitulating the compositional, structural, mechanical, and cellular features of the native tissues. In one example, we are developing advanced nerve guidance conduits based on electrospun nanofibers for peripheral nerve repair, a large-scale problem that annually affects more than one million people in the US. The conduit facilitates nerve regeneration across a gap by providing a protective environment, limiting the possible directions of axonal sprouting, concentrating neurotrophic factors, and offering physical guidance to neurite extension. Specifically, we are working with conduits featuring a multi-tubular design to recapitulate the fascicles typical of a peripheral nerve while providing good mechanical strength to resist kinking and distortion during surgery. We augment nerve regeneration by leveraging the physical cue arising from the uniaxial alignment of electrospun fibers and nanoscale grooves engraved in the surface of the fibers, in addition to the biological cues provided by Schwann cells and/or encapsulated neurotrophic factors. A combination of in vitro and in vivo models is used to optimize the design and parameters of the conduits for peripheral nerve repair and functional recovery.