Engineered approach coupled with machine learning in biofabrication of patient-specific nerve guide conduits - Review

Nervous system plays a dynamic role in communicating information from the brain to body parts through central and peripheral nerves. Significant destruction to the nerve system instigates loss of sensor and motor functions. The regeneration of such damaged nerve is essential for retaining its functionality. It requires the scaffold, which acts as an aqueduct between the distal and proximal ends during regeneration. The present review is mainly concerned with the design aspects of fabricating nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) for rectifying injured peripheral nerves using advanced materials and manufacturing methods. A detailed review is presented on the biological and structural properties of nerve conduits. The different design features of the NGCs are elaborated concerning biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and proliferation enhancement. The various biocompatible materials and additives used for fabricating nerve conduits are elaborately discussed. The application of machine learning is elaborated at different stages in developing the NGCs. In addition, challenges and futuristic aspects for improving scaffold properties in repairing and regenerating peripheral nerve injuries are explicated.