The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of, isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). Tabs arranged on the outside of the cap can be used to manipulate the cap into place on a nerve. The open end can also be configured with flaps that can be used to widen the open end for easier insertion of the nerve into the cap. In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.

Described herein are methods of producing decellularized tissue hydrogels. In some aspects, the decellularized tissue hydrogels can contain one or more extracellular matrix proteins. Also described herein are methods of making the decellularized tissue hydrogels. Also described herein are methods of using the decellularized tissue hydrogels. In some aspects, the decellularized tissue hydrogels or a pre-gel solution can be administered to a subject.

A carbo nanofiber nerve scaffold includes a cylindrical helix, a bundle of aligned carbon nanofiber yarns, and a carbon nanofiber sheet. The cylindrical helix includes a surgical suture material, and the cylindrical helix defines an interior of the carbon nanofiber nerve scaffold. The bundle of aligned carbon nanofiber yarns is disposed within the interior of the cylindrical helix. The carbon nanofiber sheet is disposed around the cylindrical helix on a side of the cylindrical helix opposite of the interior.

Provided herein is a tissue repair matrix modified with a hydrogel polymer to provide adhesion and/or lubrication to assist with the use and implantation of the tissue repair membrane, and to facilitate healing and/or avoid or minimize damage to adjacent, e.g., tissues, during or after implantation.

Various systems and process for fabricating customized medical devices via the freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels process are disclosed. The mechanical properties of the fabricated objects can be controlled according to the manner or orientation in which the structure material is deposited into the support material and the three-dimensional movement of the extruder assembly. Further, the dimensions of the fabricated objects can be validated by adding a contrast agent to the structure material, obtaining a three-dimensional reconstruction of the fabricated object, and then comparing the three-dimensional reconstruction to the computer model upon which the fabricated object is based. These and other techniques are described herein.

Disclosed a plant-derived exosome as well as a preparation method and an application thereof in preparation of drugs or scaffolds for animal tissue regeneration therapy. The preparation method includes: soaking and infiltrating any part of a natural plant with a 2-(N-morpholine) ethanesulfonic acid buffer solution; removing a supernatant; collecting a wet treated sample; refrigerating, centrifuging and extracting the sample to obtain apoplastic fluid, wherein the soaking and infiltrating method is as follows: vacuum supply is performed within 6-24 h after soaking for 2-5 times, vacuum supply time is independently 5-15 s each time, and interval time between two adjacent times of vacuum supply is independently 10 s-1 min; and centrifuging the apoplastic fluid at an ultra-high speed to obtain the plant-derived exosome, wherein ultra-high speed centrifugation conditions are as follows: centrifugal force is not lower than 100000 g, centrifugation time is 1-7 h, and a temperature is 0-4 C.

Methods, devices and systems are described for gel-based modulation of neural tissue, including prevention of nerve regeneration and neuroma formation. The gel can be delivered to selected target locations within or proximate nerves, including interfascicularly and intrafascicularly. Gel delivery associated with an operative procedure for the treatment of pain and other indications is also disclosed.

A non-tubular material for nerve regeneration induction, which can be used for the regeneration of a damaged part in a nerve, and which comprises: (A) a crosslinked form produced by crosslinking a low-endotoxin bioabsorbable polysaccharide having a carboxyl group in the molecule with at least one crosslinkable reagent selected from a compound represented by general formula (I) and a salt thereof via covalent bonds; and (B) a bioabsorbable polymer. R.sup.1HN(CH.sub.2).sub.nNHR.sup.2 (I) [wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a group represented by formula: COCH(NH.sub.2)(CH.sub.2).sub.4NH.sub.2, and n represents an integer of 2 to 18]. Thus, a medical material that can induce the regeneration of a damaged part in a nerve is provided.

The present disclosure describes the use of immune modulators to promote nerve growth and regeneration, particularly in the context of nerve deficit stemming from trauma and disease. In particular, the disclosure provides for the use of of CXCR4 antagonsists, STAT3 activators, and an agent that increase nitric oxide, alone or in combination, to treat nerve deficit conditions.

A method includes covering or contacting a portion of a recurrent laryngeal nerve of a subject with a shield including extraembryonic tissue. The covering occurs during a neck or reconstructive surgery of the subject.