Open Research OnlineFibronectin, Collagen, Fibrin - Components of Extracellular Matrix for Nerve RegenerationAAlovskayaauthorTAlekseevaauthorJBPhillipsauthorVKingauthorRBrownauthorThere are key differences in the extent to which the peripheral (PNS) and central (CNS) nervous systems recover function following damage. In each case there is a balance between factors that inhibit and promote neuronal regeneration. In the CNS this balance is skewed toward inhibition while in the PNS it is skewed towards promotion of neuronal growth. Following damage the CNS environment is generally hostile to neuronal growth. However, axonal regeneration does occur under certain conditions. In this review, various strategies for promotion of neuronal growth are explored including the use of tissue engineered grafts incorporating extracellular matrix proteins, synthetic materials, electrically active materials, coupled with biomolecular and cellular – based strategies. Development of biosynthetic conduits carrying extracellular matrix molecules and cells (Schwann cells, olfactory ensheathing glia or stem cells) expressing neurotrophic growth factors represents a novel and promising strategy for spinal cord and peripheral nerve repair. Native matrix scaffolds (e.g. collagen, fibrin, fibronectin) have been produced with appropriate biomimetic 3D mesoscale structures for improving nervous system repair. The structure, composition, biomechanical properties and effectiveness of such implants in supporting experimental PNS and CNS repair are reviewed and discussed in this chapter.2007Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering GroupBook Section

Open Research Online (ORO) Submission Agreement:

  1. I have read and understood the policies of this repository.
  2. Where I have supplied a full text attachment of my item, I have read and understood the guidance on copyright available in the ORO Help pages*.
  3. If I am depositing a thesis, I have read and understood the guidance on third-party copyright.
  4. I understand that my thesis will also be made available via the British Library's EThOS service and the DART-Europe E-Theses Portal.
  5. If I am depositing on behalf of someone else, he or she is aware of the above and has granted me permission to proceed.

*Repository staff will double check the publisher's copyright agreement/self-archiving policy before the item goes live and will restrict access or apply an embargo as necessary.


To agree to/acknowledge the above and proceed with depositing your article, click "Deposit Item Now". If you have any questions or require further clarification, click "Save for Later" and contact the Repository Manager.


REF Update: To be eligible for submission to the next REF, HEFCE requires that the full-text of journal articles and published, peer-reviewed conference proceedings (with an ISSN) are deposited in an open access repository within 3 months of publication. The policy came into effect for items accepted for publication on or after 1st April 2016. (It is expected that HEFCE will change this requirement to be within 3 months of acceptance from 1st April 2018.) The version of the publication required by HEFCE is the author's accepted manuscript.
Further details can be found at http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/2014/201407/