Bioengineering Strategies for Nerve Repair

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Regenerative Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 4112

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular and Tranlstional Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
Interests: tissue engineering; inflammation; nerve regeneration; stem cells; gene therapy; cardiac tissue

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of nerve repair has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the interdisciplinary collaboration between bioengineering and neuroscience. The potential for developing innovative interventions and therapeutic approaches to treat nerve injuries has increased tremendously, resulting in potential breakthroughs for individuals suffering from these debilitating conditions. This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research and highlight a diverse range of bioengineering strategies focused on nerve repair.

This Special Issue invites the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that encompass a wide range of topics related to bioengineering strategies for nerve repair. We encourage submissions that explore various aspects of nerve regeneration, nerve tissue engineering, biomaterials design, imaging techniques, and innovative approaches to enhance nerve function recovery.

Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nerve tissue engineering using biocompatible scaffolds and three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques;
  • Bioactive materials and their role in nerve repair and regeneration;
  • Advanced imaging techniques for monitoring nerve regeneration processes;
  • Neurophysiological assessments and functional restoration approaches;
  • Neural interfaces and neuroprosthetics for nerve repair;
  • Gene therapy and gene delivery systems for nerve regeneration;
  • Stem cell-based therapies and their potential in nerve repair;
  • Optimizing electrical stimulation and other physical interventions for nerve tissue regeneration;

Novel drug delivery systems and their integration with bioengineered constructs for enhanced nerve repair outcomes.

Dr. Munmun Chattopadhyay
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bioengineering
  • nerve repair
  • nerve regeneration
  • biomaterials
  • neural tissue engineering
  • stem cells
  • nerve repair strategies
  • bioimaging analyses
  • biomechanical analyses
  • interdisciplinary approaches

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5213 KiB  
Article
Novel Tissue Engineering Scaffolds in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury—A Bibliometric Study
by Yan Zhao, Abudunaibi Aili, Zhiwei Jia, Tianlin Wen and Aikeremujiang Muheremu
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040347 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Objective: Because of the evolving nature of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the current study was carried out to evaluate the research productivity of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of SCI. Methods: Studies published from 2000 [...] Read more.
Objective: Because of the evolving nature of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the current study was carried out to evaluate the research productivity of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of SCI. Methods: Studies published from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection with topics of spinal cord injury and tissue engineering scaffolds. The data were analyzed and visualized using the VOSviewer network analysis software. Results: Among 1542 articles analyzed, annual publications surged from 2000 to 2019, stabilizing thereafter. The U.S., China, and Canada led in productivity, with Northwestern University and the Biomaterials journal being top contributors. Keyword analysis revealed research hotspots such as functional recovery, axonal regeneration, stem cells, and hydrogels. Notably, hydrogels embedded with genetically engineered cells emerged as a pivotal trend, reflecting a shift toward biomimetic and combinatorial therapies. Collaboration networks highlighted intensified partnerships between Chinese and North American institutions, signaling global interdisciplinary efforts. Conclusions: This study provides the first bibliometric roadmap for tissue engineering scaffolds in SCI, identifying key trends, influential entities, and underexplored areas. The rise in hydrogels and international collaborations underscores opportunities for targeted research. These findings guide researchers in prioritizing high-impact journals, fostering partnerships, and advancing novel scaffold designs to bridge translational gaps in SCI treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Strategies for Nerve Repair)
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29 pages, 1873 KiB  
Review
Biohacking Nerve Repair: Novel Biomaterials, Local Drug Delivery, Electrical Stimulation, and Allografts to Aid Surgical Repair
by Jordan R. Crabtree, Chilando M. Mulenga, Khoa Tran, Konstantin Feinberg, J. Paul Santerre and Gregory H. Borschel
Bioengineering 2024, 11(8), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11080776 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3065
Abstract
The regenerative capacity of the peripheral nervous system is limited, and peripheral nerve injuries often result in incomplete healing and poor outcomes even after repair. Transection injuries that induce a nerve gap necessitate microsurgical intervention; however, even the current gold standard of repair, [...] Read more.
The regenerative capacity of the peripheral nervous system is limited, and peripheral nerve injuries often result in incomplete healing and poor outcomes even after repair. Transection injuries that induce a nerve gap necessitate microsurgical intervention; however, even the current gold standard of repair, autologous nerve graft, frequently results in poor functional recovery. Several interventions have been developed to augment the surgical repair of peripheral nerves, and the application of functional biomaterials, local delivery of bioactive substances, electrical stimulation, and allografts are among the most promising approaches to enhance innate healing across a nerve gap. Biocompatible polymers with optimized degradation rates, topographic features, and other functions provided by their composition have been incorporated into novel nerve conduits (NCs). Many of these allow for the delivery of drugs, neurotrophic factors, and whole cells locally to nerve repair sites, mitigating adverse effects that limit their systemic use. The electrical stimulation of repaired nerves in the perioperative period has shown benefits to healing and recovery in human trials, and novel biomaterials to enhance these effects show promise in preclinical models. The use of acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) circumvents the morbidity of donor nerve harvest necessitated by the use of autografts, and improvements in tissue-processing techniques may allow for more readily available and cost-effective options. Each of these interventions aid in neural regeneration after repair when applied independently, and their differing forms, benefits, and methods of application present ample opportunity for synergistic effects when applied in combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Strategies for Nerve Repair)
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