Method of producing a 3D subject specific biomimetic nerve conduit
AssigneeThe Trustees of Princeton University
InventorsMichael C. McAlpine, Blake N. Johnson
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Abstract
The present invention includes biomimetic nerve conduits that can be used as nerve regeneration pathways. The present invention further provides methods of preparing and using biomimetic nerve conduits. The disclosed compositions and methods have a broad range of potential applications, for example replacing a missing or damaged section of a nerve pathway of a mammal.
Claims25
A method of producing a 3D subject-specific biomimetic nerve conduit for use to replace a damaged section of a nerve pathway of a mammal, the method comprising:
- obtaining a primary 3D image by operating an imaging system to capture at least one image of bodily tissue, the at least one image being selected from the group consisting of:
- a damaged section of the nerve pathway of the mammal;
- and an intact nerve pathway of a similar mammal;
- generating a 3D computer model from the primary 3D image;
- and
- using the 3D computer model to 3D print a biomimetic nerve conduit that has a geometry corresponding to the damaged section of the mammal's nerve pathway, wherein the biomimetic nerve conduit comprises at least one motor branch and at least one sensory branch.
A method of producing a subject-specific biomimetic nerve conduit for use to replace a missing or damaged section of a nerve pathway of a subject mammal, the method comprising:
- obtaining a primary image by capturing at least one image of bodily tissue of the subject, the image being selected from the group consisting of:
- an image of a region of the missing or damaged section of the nerve pathway of the subject mammal;
- generating a 3D computer model from the primary image;
- and
- using the 3D computer model to print a 3D biomimetic nerve conduit that has a geometry corresponding to the missing or damaged section of the mammal's nerve pathway.
A method of producing a biomimetic nerve conduit, the method comprising:
- obtaining a primary image by 3D scanning bodily tissue to capture at least one image of bodily tissue, the image being selected from the group consisting of:
- a damaged or intact section of a nerve pathway of a mammal;
- generating a 3D computer model from the primary image;
- and
- printing, using additive manufacturing and the 3D computer model, a 3D biomimetic nerve conduit having a geometry corresponding to the damaged section of the mammal's nerve pathway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.