The best of both worlds: Mastering nerve regeneration combining biological and nanotechnological tools

Abstract

Over the last decade, remarkable developments in nanotechnology have powered medical research, unveiling new approaches for the solution of public health issues such as the treatment of traumatic peripheral neuropathies. With an estimated incidence of 13 to 23 cases per 100,000 people per year in developed countries, traumatic nerve injuries constitute the most frequent type of peripheral nervous system (PNS) damage. Peripheral neuropathy results from accidents associated with everyday activities such as sports, work, recreation, and driving. Upon injury, the connection between the neuronal distal axon and soma is interrupted, which triggers the degeneration of the affected nerve with structural and functional loss, known as Wallerian degeneration. Patients suffer symptoms ranging from neuropathic pain to partial or even total sensory and motor limitations, depending on the degree of injury severity. The lack of nerve responsiveness to regeneration – in terms of axon regrowth and remyelination – and unsuccessful target organ reinnervation are the main obstacles hindering complete nerve recovery.