Student: Shraddha Patil
Project Mentors: Dr. Kaushal Rege – SBHSE
Dr. Jit Muthuswamy – SBHSE
Dr. Brent Vernon – SBHSE
YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/7359549977
Zoom meeting time: 10am - noon
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is a common result of mechanical, thermal, chemical or ischemic factors damaging the axonal connections of neural cells and underlying tissues. This results in painful neuropathies and decreased motor function and sensory perception. Surgical intervention through micro-suturing though complex and often leaving a scar tissue behind, is still the gold standard for nerve repair. Certain bridging tools like Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGC) based on autografts are engineered for regeneration of nerves but the inadequate amount of nerve tissues for the surgery do not provide maximum functional recovery. This project develops adhesive films based on photo-crosslinking composites of silk, chitosan and GelMa that can be used as tape that are wrapped around the lacerated nerve and activated by near infrared laser to create end-to-end nerve anastomosis and sealing. Initial characterization and ex vivo studies of the biomaterial including mechanical tests of Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Lap Shear Tests and Wound Healing Tests are underway showing strong adhesive and mechanical strengths results. Films with optimum composition and optimum laser exposure showing mechanical strength and sealing capabilities in ex vivo pig optic nerve are further selected for in vivo experiments in rat sciatic nerve model.