In a recent study with the title “3D Printed Anatomical Nerve Regeneration Pathways“, published in the Advanced Functional Materials Journal, researchers collaborated to created the first-of-its-kind 3D printed guides to help restore damaged nerves after injuries.
The team, consisting of scientists from the US universities of Minnesota, Maryland, Princeton, Virginia Tech and Johns Hopkins University, used 3D scanning and printing technology to create pathways with implanted biochemical cues to promote the regeneration of a damaged nerve’s sensory and motor functions.
Since nerve regernation is a complex process, this is a major breakthrough in the regrowth of complex nerves after injury. Lab tests on rats have proven the effectiveness of the new approach. Using a 3D scanner, a digital model of the rat’s sciatic nerve had been created, which was then used to 3D print a custom guide with chemical cues. Once implanted into the rat, it began to show its effects after about 10 to 12 weeks, when the rat’s ability to walk again improved.
The study’s lead researcher, professor Michael McAlpine from the University of Minnesota said: “This represents an important proof of concept of the 3D printing of custom nerve guides for the regeneration of complex nerve injuries. Someday we hope that we could have a 3D scanner and printer right at the hospital to create custom nerve guides right on site to restore nerve function.”
McAlpine added that the next step would be the implant of these custom 3D printed guides into humans. While 3D scanning and printing takes only about an hour, the body, however, needs several weeks to regrow nerves. The new groundbreaking method could potentially help more than 200,000 people annually who suffer from nerve damage due to injuries or disease.
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