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The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides adhesion sites as well as direction for regenerating axons. The main components include:
- Collagen
- Laminin
- Fibronectin
These proteins will help facilitate axonal growth in a scaffold. However, scaffolds with high concentrations of ECM proteins can disrupt axonal regeneration.
As a result, it is suggested that these proteins are incorporated into the lumen of the guidance channel. Some examples for implementation of the proteins vary. For natural materials, one study showed that ECM proteins can be bonded via adhesion molecules. For synthetic materials, fill the channels with a gel or solution, such as phosphate buffered saline, containing the ECM proteins.3,4 In Figure 1, the nerve guidance channel is filled with a collagen gel to help facilitate axonal regeneration.8
Figure 2. PLG coated collagen tube.8