Metal-based regenerative strategies for peripheral nerve injuries: From biodegradable ion source to stable conductive implants

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury is a common health issue in modern aging societies, with the onlytreatment available being autograft transplantation. Unfortunately, autograft is oftenlimited due to donor availability and immune rejection. Additionally, the peripheralnervous system has limited regenerative capacity, making the treatment of peripheralnerve injuries challenging. Metal-based regenerative medicine and tissue engineeringstrategies provide advanced solutions to the problem. Metal-based biomaterials such asconduits, filaments, alloys, hydrogels, and ceramics can deliver biofunctional metal ionsand significantly ameliorate axonal growth and functional recovery. In parallel, metal-based electromagnetic stimulation demonstrates potential for nerve regeneration andinflammation regulation. The potential of metal-based biomaterials in promotingperipheral nerve regeneration highlights the need for further research in tissue engineeringand regenerative medicine. However, rapid degradation, long-term biocompatibility, andnecessary optimization regarding injury types remain to be explored. This reviewsummarizes the reported metal-based biomaterials utilized in peripheral nerveregeneration research. The aim is to showcase advanced technologies available in thefield, which may potentially become a viable alternative to autografts, offeringtransformative applications in the regenerative medical field.