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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 23748

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yiu Yan Leung

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Guest Editor

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: orthognathic surgery; trigeminal nerve repair; maxillofacial imaging; temporomandibular disorder
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting the ground-breaking advancements in the field of nerve regeneration, focusing on the latest technologies, methodologies, and biomaterials that have shown promising results in the treatment and management of peripheral nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Peripheral nerve injuries and neurodegenerative conditions have long been challenging the medical community due to their complex etiology and lack of effective treatment options. As a result, researchers have been exploring novel approaches to address these debilitating conditions, focusing on the regeneration and repair of damaged nerve tissue. This Special Issue aims to highlight the recent developments in tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and stem cell therapy that have shown promising outcomes in nerve regeneration. The use of biocompatible and biodegradable materials, such as hydrogels, nanofibers, and scaffolds, has been reported to support the growth of new nerve tissue and promote functional recovery after injury.

This Special Issue serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the field of nerve regeneration, shedding light on the innovative technologies and approaches that have the potential to revolutionize the treatment and management of peripheral nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. As the field continues to evolve, it is expected that these innovations will contribute significantly to improving the quality of life of millions of patients affected by these debilitating conditions.

Dr. Yiu Yan Leung
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Review

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18 pages, 1293 KB

Open AccessReview

Sacral Bioneuromodulation: The Role of Bone Marrow Aspirate in Spinal Cord Injuries

by José Fábio Lana, Annu Navani, Madhan Jeyaraman, Napoliane Santos, Luyddy Pires, Gabriel Silva Santos, Izair Jefthé Rodrigues, Douglas Santos, Tomas Mosaner, Gabriel Azzini, Lucas Furtado da Fonseca, Alex Pontes de Macedo, Stephany Cares Huber, Daniel de Moraes Ferreira Jorge and Joseph Purita

Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050461 - 6 May 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4493 | Correction

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a severe trauma to the nervous system, leading to significant neurological damage, chronic inflammation, and persistent neuropathic pain. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy, immobilization, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, often fall short in fully addressing the underlying pathophysiology and resultant disabilities. Emerging research in the field of regenerative medicine has introduced innovative approaches such as autologous orthobiologic therapies, with bone marrow aspirate (BMA) being particularly notable for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the potential of BMA to modulate inflammatory pathways, enhance tissue regeneration, and restore neurological function disrupted by SCI. We hypothesize that BMA’s bioactive components may stimulate reparative processes at the cellular level, particularly when applied at strategic sites like the sacral hiatus to influence lumbar centers and higher neurological structures. By exploring the mechanisms through which BMA influences spinal repair, this review aims to establish a foundation for its application in clinical settings, potentially offering a transformative approach to SCI management that extends beyond symptomatic relief to promoting functional recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nerve Regeneration)

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14 pages, 1056 KB

Open AccessReview

Innovations in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

by Ting Chak Lam and Yiu Yan Leung

Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050444 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 12764

Abstract

The field of peripheral nerve regeneration is a dynamic and rapidly evolving area of research that continues to captivate the attention of neuroscientists worldwide. The quest for effective treatments and therapies to enhance the healing of peripheral nerves has gained significant momentum in recent years, as evidenced by the substantial increase in publications dedicated to this field. This surge in interest reflects the growing recognition of the importance of peripheral nerve recovery and the urgent need to develop innovative strategies to address nerve injuries. In this context, this article aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by providing a comprehensive review that encompasses both biomaterial and clinical perspectives. By exploring the utilization of nerve guidance conduits and pharmacotherapy, this article seeks to shed light on the remarkable advancements made in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve guidance conduits, which act as artificial channels to guide regenerating nerves, have shown promising results in facilitating nerve regrowth and functional recovery. Additionally, pharmacotherapy approaches have emerged as potential avenues for promoting nerve regeneration, with various therapeutic agents being investigated for their neuroprotective and regenerative properties. The pursuit of advancing the field of peripheral nerve regeneration necessitates persistent investment in research and development. Continued exploration of innovative treatments, coupled with a deeper understanding of the intricate processes involved in nerve regeneration, holds the promise of unlocking the complete potential of these groundbreaking interventions. By fostering collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, we can accelerate progress in this field, bringing us closer to the realization of transformative therapies that restore function and quality of life for individuals affected by peripheral nerve injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nerve Regeneration)

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12 pages, 1226 KB

Open AccessReview

Fabrication of Artificial Nerve Conduits Used in a Long Nerve Gap: Current Reviews and Future Studies

by Ryosuke Kakinoki, Yukiko Hara, Koichi Yoshimoto, Yukitoshi Kaizawa, Kazuhiko Hashimoto, Hiroki Tanaka, Takaya Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Ohtani, Takashi Noguchi, Ryosuke Ikeguchi, Masao Akagi and Koji Goto

Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040409 - 22 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4065

Abstract

There are many commercially available artificial nerve conduits, used mostly to repair short gaps in sensory nerves. The stages of nerve regeneration in a nerve conduit are fibrin matrix formation between the nerve stumps joined to the conduit, capillary extension and Schwann cell migration from both nerve stumps, and, finally, axon extension from the proximal nerve stump. Artificial nerves connecting transected nerve stumps with a long interstump gap should be biodegradable, soft and pliable; have the ability to maintain an intrachamber fibrin matrix structure that allows capillary invasion of the tubular lumen, inhibition of scar tissue invasion and leakage of intratubular neurochemical factors from the chamber; and be able to accommodate cells that produce neurochemical factors that promote nerve regeneration. Here, we describe current progress in the development of artificial nerve conduits and the future studies needed to create nerve conduits, the nerve regeneration of which is compatible with that of an autologous nerve graft transplanted over a long nerve gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nerve Regeneration)

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Other

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33 pages, 3131 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Structural Features of Nerve Guidance Conduits and Scaffolds in Preventing Axonal Misdirection: A Systematic Review of Retrograde Tracing Studies

by Aleksa Mićić, Milan Aksić, Andrija Savić, Joko Poleksić, Jovan Grujić, Milan Lepić, Dubravka Aleksić, Lazar Vujić and Lukas Rasulić

Bioengineering 2026, 13(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13020220 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 582

Abstract

Background: Axonal misdirection remains a major limitation in peripheral nerve repair. While nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) and nerve scaffolds (NSCs) have advanced structurally, it is unclear whether these designs effectively reduce misdirection compared to autografts (ANGs). This systematic review evaluates the impact of NGC and NSC structural features on axonal dispersion and reinnervation accuracy using retrograde tracing animal models. Methods: A systematic search was performed through Medline (PubMed), Scopus (EBSCOhost), and the Cochrane Library from inception to December 2024. Eligible studies included mammalian in vivo models of peripheral nerve transection repaired by direct coaptation, autografts, or artificial conduits and assessed with retrograde axonal tracing. Data on neurons labeling, innervation accuracy, and histomorphometric parameters were extracted, and misdirection rates were calculated. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. Due to heterogeneity, data were synthesized narratively following the SWiM framework. Results: Out of 4043 records identified through database searching and 37 through citation searching, 19 studies (49 experimental groups) met the inclusion criteria. Motoneuron counts were consistently reported across all arms, but no outcome assessing axonal misdirection was reported in more than half. Structured designs resulted in outcomes more closely aligned with ANG repair, while unstructured generally underperformed, and certainty of evidence was very low. Discussion: The evidence in this study was limited by high risk of bias, substantial inconsistency across heterogeneous study designs and outcomes, and imprecision from small animal models with sparse outcome measures. Despite the trend for structured designs to improve over basic hollow designs, current evidence does not support any structure as superior. Future research should be more standardized to provide reliable knowledge translational into clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nerve Regeneration)

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