The Properties of Resorbable Conduits Based on Poly(L-lactide) Nanofibers and Chitosan Fibers for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Tubular conduits have been developed for regeneration of peripheral nerves and repair of defects with a diastasis of more than 3 cm. The optimal conduit design included a tube based on poly(L-lactide) nanofibers and a filler in the form of composite chitosan fibers containing chitin nanofibrils. A study of motor coordination disorders was conducted in vivo using an assessment of the functional index of the sciatic nerve. It has been shown that the presence of chitosan monofilaments and chitosan composite fibers containing chitin nanofibrils in the conduit structure increased the rate of regeneration of the sciatic nerve; its functional index was 76–83. The degree of restoration of nerve conduction determined by measuring the amplitude of the M-response was 46%. The developed design of the conduit simulated the oriented architecture of the nerve, promoted electrical communication between the ends of the damaged nerve, and created conditions for increasing the rate of regeneration of nerve fibers and the direction of their growth.