Peripheral nerve regeneration through a silicone chamber implanted with negative carbon ions: Possibility to clinical application

We investigated whether a tube with its inner surface implanted with negative-charged carbon ions (C− ions) would enable axons to extend over a distance greater than 10 mm. The tube was found to support nerves regenerating across a 15-mm-long inter-stump gap. We also investigated whether a C− ion-implanted tube pretreated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes peripheral nerve regeneration. The C− ion implanted tube accelerated nerve regeneration, and this effect was enhanced by bFGF. Silicone treated with C− ions showed increased hydrophilic properties and cellular affinity, and axon regeneration was promoted with this increased biocompatibility.