April 7 - 11, 2025
Seattle, Washington
Symposium Supporters
2025 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit
EL16.01.04

Ultrasound-Responsive Piezoelectric Aligned Nanofiber Nerve Guidance Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

When and Where

Apr 8, 2025
11:45am - 12:00pm
Summit, Level 4, Room 437

Presenter(s)

Co-Author(s)

Sera Jeon1,Dabin Kim1,Min-Young Jo2,Chae-Min Ryu2,Jae Kwang Kim2,Miso Kim3,Sang-Woo Kim1

Yonsei University1,University of Ulsan College of Medicine2,Sungkyunkwan University3

Abstract

Sera Jeon1,Dabin Kim1,Min-Young Jo2,Chae-Min Ryu2,Jae Kwang Kim2,Miso Kim3,Sang-Woo Kim1

Yonsei University1,University of Ulsan College of Medicine2,Sungkyunkwan University3
Peripheral nerve injury is a significant clinical issue that affects millions of people worldwide, often resulting from trauma, overstretching, fractures, or iatrogenic causes. Nerve defects associated with PNI frequently lead to severe motor and sensory dysfunction, as well as irreversible tissue atrophy. In this study, we present ultrasound-driven, highly aligned piezoelectric nanofiber (APNF) nerve guidance conduits (APNF-NGC) developed through a comprehensive strategy combining unique structural and piezoelectric propertie. The APNF-NGC provides both physical support and wireless electrical stimulation to promote nerve repair. The nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning, blending poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to achieve a highly aligned topology with enhanced mechanical strength. The integration of PEG was optimized to improve mechanical properties, increase α-phase crystallinity, and impart a hydrophilic surface, thereby enhancing both biocompatibility and piezoelectric efficiency. Ultrasound activation of the APNF-NGC generates an electric field along its axial direction, as confirmed through finite element analysis simulations and electrical measurements. In vivo studies using a rat model with an 8-mm sciatic nerve injury demonstrated that the APNF-NGC achieved nerve reinnervation comparable to that of autografts. Comprehensive behavioral, motor function, and histological evaluations confirmed accelerated functional recovery and axonal regeneration. This dual-function approach, which combines physical guidance with electrical stimulation, offers a promising strategy for neural tissue engineering, with the potential to revolutionize treatment for long-gap peripheral nerve injuries.

Symposium Organizers

Xudong Wang, University of Wisconsin--Madison
Miso Kim, Sungkyunkwan University
Wenzhuo Wu, Purdue University
Till Fromling, Technical University of Darmstadt

Symposium Support

Bronze
APL Electronic Devices

Session Chairs

Xudong Wang
Wenzhuo Wu

In this Session