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 decellularized nerve at a concentration of between 8 mg/ml and 15 mg/ml.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogel comprises decellularized nerve at a concentration of approximately 12.5 mg/ml.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogel polymerizes at a neutral pH and body temperature.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed soon after an injury to the peripheral nerve.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the treatment is performed within two weeks of the injury.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed after a period of delay after an injury to the peripheral nerve.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the treatment is performed at least two weeks after the injury.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a nerve graft.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a primary repair.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a nerve conduit.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral nerve has been surgically reconstructed with a reinnervation.