US new technology to create a cotton candy scaffold for repairing nerve damage
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A groundbreaking development from Purdue University in the U.S. has introduced a novel technique using cotton candy filaments to create microtubular stents for repairing vascular damage caused by nerve injuries or diseases resulting from accidents. In the February 2009 issue of *Langmuir*, biomedical engineer Shi Rixi and his team unveiled this innovative method.
The process involves coating a degradable polymer onto cotton candy threads, which are then dissolved in water, leaving behind a hollow polymer tube that mimics the structure of a crisscrossed nerve. Scanning electron microscope images show the yellow cotton candy filaments with a blue polymer coating. Researchers believe these stents can serve as a bridge between the injured nerve ends and the artificial tube. This technology is also being explored for treating vascular damage caused by trauma, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
Currently, the focus is on peripheral nerves in the limbs, as spinal cord regeneration is more complex. Each year, about 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer from peripheral nerve injuries, with 50,000 requiring surgery. Traditional methods involve removing healthy nerves from the thigh or other body parts, but this new cotton candy-based technique could offer a better alternative, reducing the risk of sensory loss in donor areas.
In a similar study published in *Soft Matter* in February 2009, researchers at Cornell University used the same approach to develop a vascular network for supporting transplanted organs and tissues. Their scaffold resembles natural nerve structures, composed of thousands of tiny tubular bundles that act as protective sheaths for nerve cells. This advancement could significantly impact regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
As research continues, the potential applications of this cotton candy-inspired technology are expanding, offering hope for more effective treatments in the field of biomedical engineering. Shanghai Medical Device Industry Association