Einsatz von transdifferenzierten adulten mesenchymalen Vorläuferzellen und bioartifiziellen-mikrostrukturierten Nervenleitschienen zur Regeneration peripherer Nerven.

Regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is a major challenge in reconstructive plastic surgery. The goal of the current neuro-tissue engineering concept is the transdifferentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into Schwann cell-like cells in combination with a bioartificial nerve graft on the basis of a specifically designed cylindrical collagen scaffold. The patented cylindrical nerve guides resulted in an advanced interaction with the cells. In-vivo regeneration experiments (Lewis rats) revealed appropriate regeneration with axonal sprouting reaching the distal end of the nerve guide in an orientated manner over a distance of 2 cm within 12 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]