Development of biocomposites by a facile fiber spinning technique for nerve tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Nerve guides are the bridging devices used to bridge the proximal and the distal ends of the dissected peripheral nerves. Biocompatible nerve guides comprising polycaprolactone/polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer were developed using centrifugal spinning technique. The developed nerve guides were loaded with triterpenoids isolated from Centella asiatica. Drug-releasing studies were carried out at various drug-loading percentages in the phosphate buffer releasing medium. The release studies confirm that the drug can be released into the medium to the extent of 50%. Cell culture studies also confirm that the triterpenoids-loaded nerve guides are biocompatible, provide an oriented substratum for cell adhesion and proliferation which is necessary for guided tissue regeneration.