BIOHYBRID

Biohybrid templates for peripheral nerve regeneration

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The BIOHYBRID consortium was build up with the overall aim to develop, in a preclinical perspective, an innovative biohybrid artificial nerve device for the regenerative treatment of traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves. This consortium consists of three active and well integrated SMEs as well as seven academic partners that are recognised leaders in the scientific areas of interest for this project. Furthermore, another partner has substantiated expertises to meet the regulatory work for ATMP development. Traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves represent a major cause for morbidity and morbility in Europe and their social impact is considerably high. It has been estimated that the incidence of peripheral nerve injuries derived from trauma is about 300,000 cases per year. Moreover, nerve injuries are an important component of traumatic limb amputations, with an incidence of 2/100,000 persons per year described for hand amputations. Therefore, repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries represent a major field where clinical application of innovative therapies in regenerative medicine should be sought. Peripheral nerve fibers are able to regenerate and lead to functional recovery provided that an appropriate milieu and guide is available. However, the clinical outcome of neural repair after extended substance loss after nerve injury is often unsatisfactory and therefore innovative strategies for improving the outcome after neural damage are in demand. The main objective of the BIOHYBRID project is the development of a regenerative therapy using an innovative biohybrid artificial nerve device with the goal of repairing damaged nerve trunks. The work program includes an integrated experimental approach bringing together the main aspects of regenerative medicine: a) reconstructive microsurgery, b) regenerative scaffolds and c) transplantation. This approach will allow the biological pre-fabrication of biohybrid nerve devices, their transplantation into nerve gaps in various animal models and the comprehensive evaluation of the regenerative outcome. The SME involvement, for the first time in this biomedical field, will not be limited to production and supply of materials and services but includes also active participation in the conduction of the experiments for in vivo preclinical assessment and follow-up. Based on the extensive basic and clinical experience within this consortium a biohybrid artificial nerve device will be developed together with standardised application and evaluation parameters. A key objective of this study will be to generate, for the first time, a protocol that can serve as a template for future clinical trials in the regenerative therapy of damaged peripheral nerves. The BIOHYBRID project with its consortium partners combines excellent expertise to successfully reach the objectives and stands therfore on the front line of regenerative medicine approaches.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Peripheral nerve damage is a serious cause of disability with hundreds of thousands of individuals affected every year in Europe. An EU-funded consortium proposes to develop an artificial nerve implant that promotes and supports the repair of damaged peripheral nerves across long distances.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In contrast to the central nervous system, peripheral nerves show regenerative capacities. However, regeneration after substantial nerve loss is very poor and can lead to loss of function of the interacting muscle. This necessitates the development of innovative therapies in the area of repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries.

The key objective of the EU-funded 'Biohybrid templates for peripheral nerve regeneration' (BIOHYBRID) project is to develop an artificial nerve device to enable long distance repair of injured nerves. This novel graft device should not only substitute the lost nerve tissue but also activate necessary biological processes inside the damaged tissue.

To reach this goal, partners enrich chitosan hollow tubes with 3D scaffolds based on hydrogels or nanofibres which allow ingrowth of glial cells promoting nerve regeneration with the aid of neurotrophic factors. As an alternative these factors will be provided in a temporally balanced manner to drive regeneration.

To combine supportive cells and delivery of neurotrophic factors, partners currently evaluate chitosan-based nerve grafts enriched with Schwann cells or mesenchymal stem cells that have been genetically modified to express neurotrophic factors. Pre-clinical testing of these scaffolds is performed to demonstrate biocompatibility and nerve regeneration in vivo.

Apart from testing these chitosan-based tubular devices in pre-clinical trials, key to the BIOHYBRID study is the establishment of a protocol that can serve as a template for future clinical trials. The planned trial for regeneration of damaged finger and arm nerves represents a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine with significant socioeconomic implications.