Insights on Advances in 3D Bioprinting for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury is a common injury that impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. Peripheral nerve is known to regenerate itself when the defect is small. The mechanism of nerve repair and regeneration is complex and is related to neuroimmunomodulation where there is crosstalk between Schwann cells and macrophages which respond to the injury of smaller dimensions immediately. However, regeneration of large defects requires the use of grafts. 3D bioprinting is one such promising technology with which bioengineered nerve conduits can be reproduced for the repair of injured peripheral nerves. This review outlines the mechanism of repair and regeneration of peripheral nerves and provides a detailed description of the latest developments in the fabrication of bioengineered nerve conduits. Further, various bioprinting techniques and bioinks that have been established in vitro for the fabrication of nerve conduits are discussed. In addition, this article aims to look at the in vivo applications of the bioprinted nerve conduits with respect to different types of peripheral nerve models. The challenges and future perspectives involved in fabricating bioprinted functional nerve conduits have also been discussed.