Nanotechnology for peripheral nerve regeneration

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) can lead to lifetime loss of function and disfigurement. Different methods such as conventional allograft procedures and using of biological tubes have problems for damaged peripheral nerves reconstruction. Designed scaffolds with natural and synthetic materials are now widely used in the reconstruction of damaged tissues. Utilization of absorbable and non-absorbable synthetic and natural polymers with unique characteristics can be an appropriate solution to repair damaged nerve tissues. Polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds with properties similar to neural structure can be more effective in the reconstruction process. Better cell adhesion and migration, more guiding of axons and structural features such as porosity provide clearer role of nanofibers for the restoration of neural tissues. In this paper, basic concepts of peripheral nerve injury, types of artificial and natural guides and the methods to improve the performance of tubes like orientation, nanotechnology applications for nerve reconstruction, fiber and nanofibers, electrospinning methods and their application in the peripheral nerve reconstruction have been reviewed.