A Biosynthetic Nerve Guide Conduit Based on Silk/SWNT/Fibronectin Nanocomposite for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

As a contribution to the functionality of nerve guide conduits NGCs in nerve tissue engineering, herewe report a conduit processing technique through introduction and evaluation of topographical, physical andchemical cues. Porous structure of NGCs based on freeze-dried silk/single walled carbon nanotubes SF/SWNTshas shown a uniform chemical and physical structure with suitable electrical conductivity. Moreover, fibronectinFN containing nanofibers within the structure of SF/SWNT conduits produced through electrospinning processhave shown aligned fashion with appropriate porosity and diameter. The histological assessment has shown thatnerve regeneration has taken places in proximal region of implanted nerve after 5 weeks following surgery.