Application of Chitosan for Peripheral Nerve Repair

Abstract

Regeneration and repair of peripheral nerves, as a prevalent medical problem was not satisfying and complete. This clinical problem is in accompany with loss of innervation in arms or legs, leading to the loss of motor and sensory function. Although, this problem is not lifethreatening, impose socio-economical pressure on individual and society. The worst case of a peripheral nerve trauma is the total disruption of the nerve (neurotmesis), which requires realignment. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, synthesized from chitin which is abundant in shrimps and crabs skeleton. Chitosan has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability can be used as nerve conduit material. The purpose of this work was to study the ability of chitosan and some chitosan-derived materials to promote behavioral, functional and histological assessments in peripheral nerve regeneration and repair. Here, we mentioned the investigations about using chitosan and chitosan derivatives on regeneration and repair of peripheral nervous injuries.