Speaker

Ahmad Zunnu Rain, Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries usually lead to loss of sensation and ultimately loss of function. Short gap injuries and defects can often be repaired using end-to-end suturing. However, this is not the case for larger gap defects. The gold standard treatment for larger sized defects is the use of an autologous nerve graft that requires multiple surgeries and often results in incomplete recovery. Our lab focuses on biomaterial-based therapies for nerve repair. Previous studies have shown that aligned nanofibers combined with growth factors can enhance neurite growth. Our lab has explored utilizing microspheres as a delivery mechanism to facilitate neural regeneration. However, sustained growth factor delivery is still a challenge. PLGA microspheres hydrolyze in water, resulting in high initial burst release. Gelatin microspheres can maintain a controlled release but are susceptible to enzymatic degradation and the release profile is nonlinear. The goal of this project is to develop a delivery mechanism that allows for sustained, linear drug release that is initiated and controlled by electrical stimulation utilizing microspheres. We have fabricated a hyaluronic acid-carbon nanotube conductive nanofiber mat that is seeded with our bioengineered dual-layered PLGA-gelatin microspheres that can be controlled via electrical stimulation to maintain a linear drug and growth factor release. Electrical stimulation will activate the gelatin layer in our dual-layered microspheres to initiate the drug and growth factor release. In turn, hydrolyzation of the inner PLGA core of the microspheres allows continuous release and ultimately allows for nerve regeneration.

Hybrid

In-person: Biomedical Engineering building, Room 2220

Virtual: Zoom Passcode: 499238