Revolutionary Nerve Conduits Made from Silk
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have developed nerve conduits made from silk that can help repair nerve injuries. In medicine, collagen nerve conduits are used to reconnect damaged nerves by attaching tubes to both ends of the injured nerve. However, this method only works well over short distances. To improve nerve healing, scientists have been exploring the use of fillers in nerve conduits. A team led by Christine Radtke, head of the University Clinic for Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, has developed nerve conduits filled with silk from silkworms and spider silk. These threads are known for their high tensile strength and flexibility, making them ideal for new materials.
The researchers combined the silk from silkworms and spider silk to create optimized nerve conduits. The silkworm silk forms the tubes, while the spider silk fills them. To test the artificial nerve conduits, the team conducted experiments on mice, which were successful. The severed nerve pathways adapted to the silk nerve conduits, allowing the nerve endings to reconnect. The silkworm silk tubes have a porous wall that allows for the necessary exchange of nutrients and waste products in the nervous system. The molecular structure of the tubes was also analyzed, which is responsible for their high stability and prevents them from bending or breaking. The spider silk filler material, which serves as a “scaffold” for regenerating tissue, also worked as expected.
The researchers hope to test the nerve conduits on humans with peripheral nerve injuries in the future. This study is a significant step forward in regenerative neuroscience. The use of silk in nerve conduits could revolutionize the treatment of nerve injuries, allowing for better healing and recovery.
