MICROCHANNEL-STRUCTURED NERVE CONDUITS FOR CRITICAL-SIZED PERIPHERAL NERVE REPAIR IN RODENT AND PORCINE MODELS

Bridging large peripheral nerve gaps remains a significant clinical challenge, as autologous nerve grafts (ANGs)—the current gold standard—are constrained by donor site morbidity and limited availability. To address this, we developed a scalable nerve conduit featuring a precise microchannel architecture designed to provide topographical guidance for axonal regeneration. This study evaluated the translational potential of these conduits, fabricated using FDA-approved materials in a GMP-ready environment, in both small and large animal models. We established a 16 mm critical-sized defect in the rat sciatic nerve and a clinically relevant 30 mm defect in the minipig sciatic nerve. In the rat model, the conduit supported robust axonal outgrowth and functional recovery that was comparable to ANGs. Extending these findings to the minipig model, the conduit successfully bridged the 30 mm gap, facilitating consistent nerve regeneration. Histomorphometric analysis of the minipig target muscles demonstrated that the conduit group maintained muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) at levels comparable to the autograft group, indicating effective prevention of muscle atrophy. Behavioral assessments in both species further confirmed that the microchannel structure supports motor function recovery commensurate with autologous grafting. These results indicate that our off-the-shelf, microchannel-structured conduit provides a reproducible and effective alternative to autografts for the repair of extensive peripheral nerve injuries, supporting its potential for clinical translation.