Fabrication of patterned multi-walled poly-l-lactic acid conduits for nerve regeneration

Topographical cues in the micron and nanoscale regime represent a powerful and effective method for controlling neuron and glial cell behavior. Previous studies have shown that contact guidance can facilitate axon pathfinding, accelerate neurite growth and induce glial cell alignment. In this paper, we exploit the concept of haptotaxis via implementation into three-dimensional neural based scaffolds. Polymeric poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) conduits possessing multiple intralumenal walls and precise topography along the longitudinal axis were fabricated using solvent casting, physical imprinting and a rolling-fusing method. Measurements made on scanning electron micrographs show the conduits demonstrate a transparency factor (void to polymer ratio) of up to 87.9% and an increase in surface area of four to eight times over comparably sized hollow conduits. Intralumenal wall thickness was approximately 20 μm and physical parameters such as the number of lumens, conduit length and diameter were controllable. These results imply that the structures are conducive for cellular infiltration and proliferation. Although PLLA was used, the manufacturing techniques are highly flexible and are compatible with multiple polymer–solvent systems. Thus, the proposed conduits can be custom tailored to resorb in parallel with the healing process. Applications for these scaffolds include autograft substitutes for peripheral nerve transection or potential use in spinal cord related injuries.