A Combinatorial Strategy for Peripheral Nerve Repair Utilizing 3D-Printed Collagen Nerve Guidance Conduits and Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Pilot Study in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection Model

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 3D-printed collagen nerve guidance conduits in promoting nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.
• Conducted a pilot study using rat sciatic nerve transection model.
• Applied 3D-printed collagen nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) for nerve repair.
• Assessed nerve regeneration and biocompatibility of the conduits after implantation.
• Findings indicate that 3D-printed NGCs are biocompatible.
• Early signs of nerve regeneration were observed post-implantation.
• Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) did not enhance nerve regeneration outcomes.