Development of conductive poly (glycerol-sebacate) composites for neural tissue engineering

Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical problem and affects the quality of patient life. The inadequacy of traditional restoration methods in treating nerve injuries has enabled researchers to focus more on tissue engineering. Nerve conduits developed for peripheral nerve injuries are preferred for reasons such as scaffolding properties that can be adjusted according to the tissue, support cellular events, and easy accessibility. This thesis study aimed to prevent nerve damage in peripheral nerve injuries by increasing nerve regeneration and preserving tissue integrity. Accordingly, the efficiency of surface patterned poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) elastomer in nerve tissue engineering was evaluated by combining with conductive materials. First, PGS elastomer was synthesized and its properties were adjusted to fit the nerve. Secondly, micro channels were created on the elastomer surface with a CO2 laser. These channels are very important in terms of directing the nerve cells. PGS elastomer is combined with carbon nanofiber (CNF) and Magnesium (Mg) alloy to support nerve cells. CNF has been subjected to a functionalization process for combining with elastomer and it has been determined that this process improved the properties of CNF. Two different AZ31 Mg alloys were subjected to various characterization tests and the alloy with better structural and cellular properties was selected. Composite tissue scaffolds were produced using optimized conductive materials and their effectiveness was evaluated with various characterization tests. Accordingly, it has been determined that the conductive material additive improves the properties of the PGS elastomer compared to the nerve tissue. The final phase of the study includes in vitro studies with the PC12 cell line and the S42 cell line. Accordingly, both cell lines observed an increase in cell proliferation on tissue scaffolds, this data was confirmed by various staining methods and SEM analysis. Particularly, the contribution of the Mg alloy to the PGS elastomer has significantly affected the cellular behaviour. It is believed that all experiments performed in this presented thesis will be an important contribution to neural tissue engineering studies. Finally, it includes in vitro studies with the PC12 and the S42 cell lines. With the recruited cell lines, an increase in cell proliferation was observed and the outcomes were confirmed by various staining methods and SEM analysis. Particularly, the contribution of Mg alloy to PGS elastomer positively affected cell viability. It is believed that all experiments performed in this presented thesis will be an important contribution to neural tissue engineering studies.