An in vitro 3-D model of collagen-based fiber constituents for peripheral nerve conduits

An in vitro three-dimensional (3D) fiber-reinforced hydrogel system consisting of collagen was used as a peripheral nerve conduit model for evaluating axon growth from sensory neurons and the migration of glial cells. Micron-size collagen fibers created by wet spinning were used as firm guiding wires in a 3D collagen gel to promote a direction for regenerating dorsal root ganglia (DRG) axons and migrating Schwann cells. Type I collagen extracted from rat tail tendons was used to prepare these collagen-based components for an engineered nerve conduit design. Crosslinking treatments with genipin and glutaraldehyde were evaluated to improve mechanical properties, swelling response and thermal behavior to facilitate guided growth and long-term viability of neurons and glial cells for future in vivo models.