US new technology to create a cotton candy scaffold for repairing nerve damage
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In a groundbreaking development, engineers at Purdue University in the U.S. have created a novel technique using cotton candy filaments to produce micro-tube stents for repairing vascular damage caused by nerve injuries or diseases resulting from accidents. The innovative method was detailed in the February 2009 issue of *Langmuir* by biomedical engineer Shi Rixi and his team.
The process involves coating cotton candy threads with a biodegradable polymer, then dissolving the candy in water, leaving behind a hollow tube that mimics the structure of natural nerves. A scanning electron microscope image shows the yellow cotton candy filament surrounded by a blue polymer layer. Researchers believe these stents can act as a bridge between damaged nerve ends and the artificial tube, facilitating regeneration. This technology could also be used to treat vascular damage from trauma, atherosclerosis, or diabetes.
Currently, the focus is on applying this method to peripheral nerves in the limbs, as spinal cord nerve regeneration is more complex. Each year, around 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer from peripheral nerve injuries, with 50,000 requiring surgery. Traditional procedures involve taking healthy nerves from other body parts, such as the thigh, which can lead to loss of sensation. This new cotton candy-based technique aims to replace those surgeries by offering a better alternative without compromising sensory function.
Meanwhile, in the same month, researchers at Cornell University published a similar study in *Soft Matter*, using the same approach to create vascular networks for supplying blood to transplanted organs and tissues. Their artificial scaffolds resemble natural nerve structures, composed of thousands of tiny tubular bundles that act as conductive pathways for nerve cells. This advancement opens new possibilities in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
As research continues, both teams are exploring how this unique method can revolutionize treatments for nerve and vascular damage, potentially improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide. Shanghai Medical Device Industry Association