Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods include localized release of immunosuppressive (ISV) agents are contemplated in one embodiment. Methods also include localized application of immunosuppressive (ISV) regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in other embodiments. Hydrogel carrier materials for delivery of ISV agents and are also described herein.

A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for obtaining Schwann cells directly (by direct reprogramming) without passing through pluripotent stem cells, such as ES cells or iPS cells. As a means for solving this problem, the present invention provides a method for preparing Schwann cells that includes a step of introducing into somatic cells of a mammal at least one gene selected from the group consisting of SOX10 genes and KROX20 genes, or an expression product thereof.

The application pertains to the field of biomaterials and their use, in particular for the production of implants to support the growth and recovery of biological tissues. More particularly, a fibrous polymer material is described comprising a first layer of aligned fibroin fiber, a second layer of fibroin fibers, wherein the fibroin fibers are randomly oriented within said second layer, a third layer of aligned fibroin fibers; and polymer scaffolds comprising thereof.

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.

The present invention relates to a peripheral nerve-specific hydrogel material, which is deliverable in a minimally invasive fashion, sustains the growth of neurons, and speeds recovery following surgical reconstruction.

The subject invention pertains to materials, including sets of nerve grafts, for performing breast neurotization with xenograft nerves in breast surgeries, such as reconstructive breast surgery. Certain embodiments of the set of nerve grafts comprise at least two nerve grafts prepared from one or more nerves, such as one or more intercostal nerves (ICNs), obtained from one or more animal sources. Such animal-sourced nerve grafts may be used as xenografts in the reconstruction of nerve defects in humans, and in particular, animal-sourced ICN grafts may be used as xenografts in the reconstruction of ICN nerve defects in humans, including through use of the breast neurotization technique described herein. These animal-sourced nerve grafts may also be used in the reconstruction of nerve defects in animal recipients, including as xenografts, allografts and autografts.

The present invention provides, in some aspects, bilayered and trilayered pharmaceutical implant compositions for the unidirectional delivery of anti-cancer compounds to the brain over a period of time (e.g., several weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 1, 2, 3, weeks, or any range derivable therein) following the removal of glioblastoma multiforme or other malignant tumors in the brain.

An implant is suitable for treatment for nerve tissue injuries of various types in any period of the severe injury to the nerve tissue, in particular, of the spinal cord, immediately after relief of disturbed vital functions for the early and stable restoration of its conduction in the acute period, prevention from or reduction of the demyelination processes. The technical result is to ensure the possibility to restore the injured nerve tissue in volume. The implant is the body made from porous material, such as the porous PTFE having three-dimensional structure containing the open through pores and dead-ended pores uniformly distributed over inner surfaces of the open pores and connected with the inner surfaces; pore sizes are randomly distributed within the range of 150-300 m. The method of treatment for nerve tissue injuries and use of the porous PTFE for manufacture of the implant are also claimed.

Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods described herein provide for injection of ISV agents into a nerve graft prior to implantation of the nerve graft into a recipient. Methods described herein also provide for injection of ISV agents with a polymerizable carrier into a nerve graft, polymerization of the carrier within the graft, and implantation of the nerve graft into a recipient. Certain embodiments provide for reinnervation of central nervous system (CNS) axons in a spinal cord utilizing a peripheral nerve graft.