A Tacrolimus-Releasing Nanofiber Nerve Wrap to Enhance Motor and Sensory Recovery in Injured Peripheral Nerves

Nerve injuries from penetrating or blunt trauma often result in life-long disability with loss of sensation and paralysis. Recovery is usually poor. A key barrier to recovery is the naturally slow axonal regeneration rate which consequently deprives the target muscle and skin of nerve supply and results in permanent loss of function. We aim to validate a reliable, effective, and easy-to-use, off-the-shelf product for local drug delivery following nerve surgery and demonstrate its effectiveness. We have therefore designed a biodegradable wrap for the delivery of tacrolimus that surgeons can place around the site of injured nerves during surgery. We will fabricate nerve wraps made from polymers sheets loaded with tacrolimus. In summary, we have begun development of the electrospun nerve wrap, loaded it with tacrolimus, and have started the validation for use in animal studies. This is significant since we are now ready to move forward with in vivo use in a peripheral nerve injury model.