Tissue Engineering for Sciatic Nerve Repair: Review of Methods and Challenges

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to offer a thorough examination of the various tissue engineering approaches employed in sciatic nerve repair. Investigating scaffold-based techniques, cell-based therapies, and bioactive molecule delivery systems shed light on the strengths, limitations, and challenges associated with each method. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to the date of this review. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to gather a diverse range of articles, including original research, clinical trials, and review papers. Results Promising materials for neural tissue engineering include scaffolds, such as chitosan, collagen, and synthetic polymers. Moreover, cell-based therapies using neural crest stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells the potential to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. Delivery systems, such as neurotrophic factor-loaded microspheres and exosomes, along with neurotrophic factors, such as NGF, BDNF, and GDNF, have demonstrated promising results for enhancing sciatic nerve repair. Conclusion Stem cells hold potential for nerve tissue repair, whereas controlled release of neurotrophic factors aids axonal regeneration. Overcoming challenges such as optimal implantation timing and minimizing secondary damage is crucial and ongoing research is needed to refine scaffold properties and improve distal pathway efficacy, ultimately enhancing surgical management and functional recovery for patients with severe peripheral nerve injuries. [GRAPHICS] .