Facial nerve injuries are often treated with autografts, which have limitations such as donor site damage and uncertain functional recovery. Researchers are exploring synthetic alternatives like engineered conduits made with stem cells to support nerve regeneration. At the University of Pittsburgh, bioengineers developed implantable conduits that facilitated nerve regeneration in rats, matching the results of autografts. By allowing stem cells to create aligned extracellular matrix, the conduits guided axon growth and function restoration across large nerve gaps. This innovative approach shows promise for enhancing facial nerve repair and is more biomimetic compared to synthetic scaffolds used in tissue engineering.
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Stem cell–based conduits restore facial nerve function in animal study
