2023-04-18 16:49:34
In a study published in the journal “Advanced Healthcare Materials” and written regarding by the website York Alert(eurekalert), a research team from the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Oxford used silk as a promising material for repairing severed nerves.
In their experiments with silk from silkworms and spiders, the scientists also gained new information regarding the effect of silk on neural healing processes. This study might offer new treatment options for peripheral nerve reconstruction.
In search of improved treatment options for nerve injuries, the research team led by Christine Radtke, Head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna – in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford – produced nerve channels (i.e. a channel in which the nerve grows) from two different types of silk, where it was used Silk from silkworms was used to make the tubes, while silk from spiders was used to fill them.
These channels were examined on laboratory animals, where experiments showed that the cut nerves adapted to these channels made to direct the nerve and grew along the silk threads extended to cover the area suffering from nerve damage until the severed nerve endings were successfully reconnected.
“As part of our study, we not only succeeded in repairing nerves, but we were also able to analyze the healing process in detail,” said researcher Lorenz Selmer from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna.
For example, studies have confirmed that tubes made of silkworm silk have a porous wall (it has pores, which are very small openings) to ensure the necessary exchange of nutrients and waste products, which is important for nerve function. In addition, information was obtained regarding the molecular structure of the tubes responsible for their stability and avoiding torsion or rupture.
It has also been shown that cells important for nerve regeneration adhere to both types of silk, and that this is a prerequisite for continued nerve regeneration. “This study is an important step in regenerative neuroscience,” said lead researcher Christine Radtke.
Spider silk for nerve rejuvenation
Artificial bio-guides are made of various materials such as chitosan or collagen, and have been an important surgical method for nerve repair for regarding 3 decades. These tubes are sutured at both ends of the affected nerve to block the blocked nerve canal.
Under optimal conditions, these tubes might indeed support the growth of fibers and nerve cells, but at present they are only used to fill small gaps.
To improve treatment, scientists have discussed using the material used to fill the tubes as a structure within them to direct damaged nerve and regenerative tissue to grow in the right place.
“In our study, it was shown that peripheral nerves function well when these threads are made of silk, with a preference for the use of spider silk for guidance,” says Semmler. Therefore, the research team is already working on the next step to explore the possibility of using spider silk in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
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