Injectable peripheral nerve specific hydrogel
The present invention relates to a peripheral nerve-specific hydrogel material, which is deliverable in a minimally invasive fashion, sustains the growth of neurons, and speeds recovery following surgical reconstruction.
1. A method of repairing a nerve injury, comprising:
treatment by injecting a hydrogel into and/or around a surgically reconstructed peripheral nerve in an intended recipient, wherein the hydrogel comprises a decellularized peripheral nerve scaffold.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed soon after an injury to the peripheral nerve.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the treatment is performed within two weeks of the injury.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed after a period of delay after an injury to the peripheral nerve.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the treatment is performed at least two weeks after the injury.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a nerve graft.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a primary repair.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a nerve conduit.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a reinnervation.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve scaffold is autologous to the intended recipient.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve scaffold is non-autologous to the intended recipient.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve scaffold is from an organism that is the same species as the intended recipient.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve scaffold is from an organism that is not the same species as the intended recipient.