Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Peripheral Nerve Repair and Reconstruction

In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to develop functional scaffolds for peripheral nerve repair. However, biomaterials science and the development of tubular nerve conduit have yet to fully address the challenges of peripheral nerve injury treatment. New tissue engineering techniques based on nanomaterials have proved to be superior to conventional materials in providing the desired structure and properties. Nanomaterials can better mimic the natural environment of neural tissue, facilitate cell attachment and drug delivery, and regulate cell behavior by delivering bioactive molecules in controlled manners. The combination of nanoscale surface size and electrical activity provides an enhanced environment for neural tissue regeneration. Therefore, nanomaterials and related nanotechnology have broad application prospects in the repair and reconstruction of peripheral nerve injury. Here we review the research progress of nanoscale neural engineering scaffolds, with emphasis on the role of nanofibers and nanoparticles in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.