A READY TO USE BIODEGRADABLE AND BIOCOMPATIBLE CELL-BASED NERVE CONDUIT FOR NERVE INJURY AND A METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel and unique three-dimensional biocompatible cell culture system which can be used to culture a variety of different cells (Human mesenchymal stem cells, Human Schwann cells, Nerve cells, Schwann cells and nerve cells differentiated form mesenchymal stem cells in vitro) in vitro for continued periods of time. In the present invention, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs derived from bone marrow or umbilical cord) Schwann cells and neuronal cells (differentiated form mesenchymal stem cells) are inoculated and grown on a preestablished Polyelectrolyte Complex (PEC) scaffold or matrix or conduit made up of gelatin, chitosan, collagen and hyaluronic acid. The developed tissue constructs contain cells, growth factors, cytokines and other regulatory factors secreted by cells and can be prepared in 12 days. The developed bioengineered tissue constructs help in the repair and regeneration of neurons and restore their function in a synergistic manner. Developed tissue construct useful in the cost effective treatment of peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury or any other type nerve injury. The developed cell-based nerve conduit will helpful in the restoration of motor and sensory function of damaged nerve in human.