Karim Sarhane, MD

Purpose:

Substantial advances have been made in enhancing nerve regeneration across gaps through the use of conduits and acellular nerve grafts. However, very few therapeutic approaches have been successfully studied in primary end-to-end repairs. Post-repair histologic studies commonly demonstrate scar tissue between coapted nerve stumps. In this study, we propose a novel semi-permeable nanofiber nerve wrap prepared from FDA approved biocompatible materials (polycaprolactone) to reduce inflammation at nerve coaptation site through inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration while allowing diffusion of essential nutrients and growth factors.

Methods

Nerve wraps were synthesized by electrospinning of randomly oriented 650-nm nanofibers, and constructs with pores smaller than 10 μm were obtained. Using Thy-1 GFP Sprague-Dawley rats, we performed sciatic nerve transection and epinureal repair (control group) and with wrapping the coaptation site using the neuro-protective nanofiber construct (experimental group). Five weeks later, histologic analysis (Masson’s Trichrome staining, ED1+TUJ1 immunofluorescence co-staining) was performed on nerve sections at the repair site to assess fibrosis (collagen deposition) and
inflammation (macrophage invasion) (n=5/group). Additionally, retrograde labeling was performed, and at the same time, the distal stump was harvested for histo-morphometric evaluation (n=8/group).

Results: Masson’s Trichrome and double immunofluorescence staining (ED1+TUJ1) of nerve longitudinal sections 5 weeks following repair showed a significantly decreased level of intraneural scarring and inflammation in the nanofiber nerve wrap group, as determined by collagen quantification (7.4% ± 1.3 vs. 3.2% ± 1.3, p<0.05) and macrophage counting (32.2 ± 2.4 cells/mm2 vs. 14.6 ± 1.8 cells/mm2, p<0.05) in the repair site. Collagen was trapped outside the nerve wrap in the experimental group. Nerve cross sections taken 5 mm distal to the coaptation site demonstrated a significantly increased number of myelinated axons in the experimental group. Retro- grade labeling showed a trend towards higher number of sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons that regenerated their axons in the nanofiber wrap group when compared to control.

Conclusion

These results provide new insights into a novel targeted anti-inflammatory approach in peripheral nerve repair. Electrospun nanofiber nerve wrap constructs protect the coaptation site from inflammation, promoting scar-free nerve repair, and enhancing axonal regeneration. This new therapeutic strategy utilizing FDA approved products holds great translational potential.

Principal Investigator
Karim Sarhane MD, Msc

Institution
Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine

Funding Mechanism
Pilot Research Grant

Focus Area
Peripheral Nerve, Tissue Engineering

Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) remains a challenging problem. Despite best efforts at surgical reconstruction and postoperative rehabilitation, patients with PNI are often left with persistent, debilitating motor and sensory deficits. Therapies to enhance the regenerative process are lacking. Poor outcomes result from prolonged periods of latency prior to reinnervation. Over time, the absence of muscle innervation causes irreversible atrophy that limits functional motor recovery. Further hindering outcomes, chronically denervated Schwann cells within the distal nerve stump senesce over time and lose their capacity to support regenerating axons. Therapies are needed to accelerate axonal regeneration and maintain denervated muscle and Schwann cells. Augmentation of the growth hormone (GH) axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, the effects of which are primarily mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 acts on neurons to speed axonal regeneration and acts independently on denervated muscle and Schwann cells to limit denervation atrophy and senescence. Despite promising experimental results, GH therapies have undesirable side effects resulting from the need for systemic administration; they also require costly and inconvenient daily dosing injections. To overcome these obstacles, we developed biodegradable nanoparticles to encapsulate and release IGF-1 over 70 days with near zero order kinetics. We now need a biocompatible carrier that can fixate the nanoparticles to nerve and muscle for the duration of IGF-1 release without interfering with the favorable release kinetics achieved from the nanoparticles. Our collaborator, Prof. Hai-Quan Mao has developed a nanofiber hydrogel composite with characteristics that make it ideal for this purpose (favorable biocompatibility, biointegration, injectability, mechanical properties, and tunable degradation time). In the proposed studies, we will prepare two sets of nanofiber-hyaluronic acid hydrogel composites with low and high viscosity characteristics (Aim 1) for delivery to muscle and nerve, respectively. We will optimize the release kinetics of the IGF-1 NPs in the hydrogel composites by varying the crosslinking density. We will then (Aim 2) test the effects of the IGF-1 NPs delivered within the optimized hydrogel composite on axonal regeneration, SC proliferation, and muscle reinnervation using a rat chronic denervation model.

Biography
 I believe I am very well suited to successfully carry out the proposed project. I have extensive research experience in the field of peripheral nerve. I started peripheral nerve research back in 2012 in that same laboratory. I have not only developed advanced microsurgical skills to reliably perform the surgeries, but also learnt the necessary bench techniques that are required to study nerve regeneration (nerve and muscle histomorphometry, nerve conduction studies, stimulated grip strength testing, in addition to NMJ staining and other key immunohistochemical stains). I also developed strong research bonds with multiple collaborators in Johns Hopkins in the Departments of Neuroscience and Material Science. These efforts culminated in several publications, with a few still in the review process.

Karim Sarhane, MD

Karim Sarhane, MD

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue and maximize the nutrient transport. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel semi-permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is applied around a nerve repair site following end-to-end anastomosis. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepare using an electrospinning method. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 50-100 μm thick with pores smaller than 25 μm. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflammation and scarring of nerve and other tissues as well as any other tubular structure or as a layered constituent of a biologic or synthetic mesh.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Peripheral nerve injuries constitute a frequent and disabling condition, with an estimated incidence of 23 out of every 100,000 persons per year in developed countries. This statistic does not account for non-traumatic cases (i.e. nerve damage secondary to abdominal or pelvic surgeries) and for lesions not treated at health facilities. Despite great advances in microsurgical techniques, nerve repair continues to be suboptimal, and full functional recovery is seldom achieved. There is thus an imminent need to develop novel strategies to enhance neuroregeneration and optimize return of function.

Research in peripheral nerve injuries has shown that the formation of scar and fibrosis at the site of nerve coaptation impedes axonal regeneration. Furthermore, a negative correlation between the degree of functional recovery and the amount of scar formation at the repair site is a well-established phenomenon. Although nerve regeneration normally occurs at the rate of 1 to 3 mm per day, regenerating axons may require up to 20 to 40 days to traverse the scar at the site of nerve repair. Reduction in scar formation at a site of nerve repair is associated with better recovery. Mechanistically, scarring at the nerve repair site is due to invasion of inflammatory cells, with subsequent upregulation of fibrogenic cytokines.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide an inert barrier around the coaptation site that prevents inflammatory cells infiltration while still allowing diffusion of nutrients and other growth factors to promoting nerve regeneration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, which provides a device for promoting healing at a connection site between tubular biologic structures including a construct of nanofibers. The nanofibers are spun from a biocompatible material in a sheet configured and sized for wrapping around the connection site tubular biologic structures. The sheet is configured to have a pore size to prevent the infiltration of inflammatory cells to the connection site.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the sheet is approximately 50 μm to 500 μm thick. More particularly the sheet can have a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The device can have pore size of approximately 0.5-25 μm. The biocompatible material can be polyester, such as polycaprolactone, polylactide, or polyglycolide. The biocompatible material can also be a blend of synthetic polyester such as polycaprolactone and a natural macromolecule such as collagen. Each one of the nanofibers can have a diameter of approximately 100 nm to 25 μm. The nanofibers are formed using a system comprising a syringe, a source of voltage, and a copper plate. While a copper plate is described herein with respect to the preferred embodiment any sort of conductive plate or rod known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art could also be used. A needle of the syringe has a gauge of approximately 27, a distance between the source of voltage and the copper plate of approximately 6 cm, an applied voltage from the source of voltage of approximately 7.5 kV, and a flow rate of solution from the syringe of approximately 0.75 mL/h.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a device for promoting healing at a connection site between tubular biologic structures includes filling a syringe with a solution containing a biocompatible material for forming the nanofibers. The method includes applying an electrical current to the solution containing the biocompatible material, such that the solution extends out into a fiber. Additionally, the method includes extruding the solution onto a grounded plate in an electrospinning process until a predetermined thickness of a sheet of the fiber, such that the sheet has a pore size of less than 10 μm.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes using the solution comprising an 8 wt % PCL (MW=80,000) solution in a 9:1 (by wt) ratio of dichloromethane:N, N-dimethylformamide. The method includes using the biocompatible material taking the form of a polyester. Additionally, the method includes using one selected from a group consisting of a polycaprolactone, polylactide, and polyglycolide. The method includes using the biocompatible material formed from a blend of synthetic polyester such as polycaprolactone and a natural macromolecule such as collagen. The method also includes using the grounded plate comprising a conductive material.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the method includes using a grounded plate with dimensions of approximately 11 cm×11 cm×0.3 cm. The method includes using a power supply for applying the electrical current to the solution. The method includes forming the fiber having a diameter of approximately 100 nm to 10 μm and forming the sheet with a thickness of approximately 50 μm to approximately 500 μm. The method includes forming the sheet using a flow rate of 0.75 mL/h; a distance between applied voltage and the grounded plate of 6 cm; an applied voltage of 7.5 kV; and a needle gauge of 27. Additionally, the method includes applying the method for one consisting of a group of repairing one selected from a group consisting of crushed, compressed, and injured peripheral and cranial nerves and protecting one selected from a group consisting of autologous and allogeneic nerve grafts. The method also includes repairing injured or inflamed tendons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings provide visual representations, which will be used to more fully describe the representative embodiments disclosed herein and can be used by those skilled in the art to better understand them and their inherent advantages. In these drawings, like reference numerals identify corresponding elements and:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary setup for fabricating an electrospun nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate images of an exemplary nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate schematic diagrams of a nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary rat arm or leg nerve to be wrapped with the nanofiber construct for Groups 1 and 3 and an exemplary rat arm nerve to be wrapped with the nanofiber construct for Groups 2 and 4, respectively.

FIG. 5 illustrates a summary of the Groups, the intervention used, and the endpoint.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate images and graphical views of the percent of collagen at the repair site and the macrophage counts at the repair site.

FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical view of up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α that were detected at the nerve repair site in the experimental group.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate images of nerve cross sections for the control and experimental groups as well as a graphical view of regenerated myelinated axons in the experimental and control groups.

FIG. 9 illustrates a graphical view of serial electrophysiological measurements showing improved functional recovery in the experimental group.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate images of neuromuscular junction and a graphical view of neuromuscular junction re-innervation quantification. Increased reinnervation in the experimental group was accompanied by decreased gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, as assessed by a higher muscle weight and higher single muscle fiber cross sectional area.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate image and graphical views of gastrocnemius muscle weight and laminin staining analysis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue as well as any other cylindrical structures, such as a tendon, a ligament, or a vessel, or as a layered constituent of a biologic or synthetic mesh to cover a wound repair site. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel-semi permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is wrapped around a nerve repair site. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepared using an electrospinning technique. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 100 μm thick with pores smaller than 25 μm. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary setup for fabricating an electrospun nanofiber construct wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary setup 10 for fabricating the electrospun nanofiber construct wrap includes a syringe 12 containing a solution containing a biocompatible material for forming the nanofibers. In a preferred embodiment, the solution can take the form of an 8 wt % PCL (MW=80,000) solution in a 9:1 (by wt) ratio of dichloromethane:N, N-dimethylformamide. The biocompatible material can take the form of a polyester, such as polycaprolactone, polylactide, or polyglycolide. The biocompatible material can also be a blend of synthetic polyester such as polycaprolactone and a natural macromolecule such as collagen. It should be noted that these examples are not meant to be considered limiting and any suitable material known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art can be used. The exemplary setup also includes a power supply 14 and a square, grounded copper plate 16. While a copper plate is described herein with respect to a preferred embodiment any sort of conductive plate or rod known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art could also be used. It can also be a rod or other curved surface for giving the nanofiber wrap some initial curl. The copper plate 16 can be in any suitable size known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art for this purpose. However, in an exemplary embodiment the plate is approximately 11 cm×11 cm×0.3 cm. The solution is extruded from the syringe onto the copper plate and nanofibers are formed through the process of electrospinning and applying a current to the solution, which causes it to stretch out into a fiber shape. The exemplary setup includes several variable elements including, but not limited to, flow rate (Q), distance between applied voltage and the copper plate (d), applied voltage (V), and needle gauge (n). These variables can be adjusted to change the properties of the nanofibers produced by the exemplary setup 10. For instance, according to an embodiment of the invention the nanofibers can be produced under the following conditions: Q=0.75 mL/h; d=6 cm; V=7.5 kV; and n=27. With this exemplary setup constructs of 100 μm thick with pores smaller than 10 μm are obtained. The thickness of the nanofiber wrap can range from 50 to 500 μm. While this exemplary setup is described herein, any suitable setup known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art could also be used. Generally, the nanofibers produced using the exemplary setup have a diameter of approximately 100 nm to 10 μm. However, any suitable length or diameter known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art could also be used.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate images of an exemplary nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D the nanofiber wrap has a thickness of 100 μm and a pore size of less than 10 μm. FIG. 2A illustrates a cross section of a nanofiber wrap according to the present invention. FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C illustrates a cross section of a wall of the nanofiber wrap and FIG. 2D illustrates porosity of the nanofiber wrap.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate schematic diagrams of a nanofiber wrap according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a nanofiber wrap according to the present invention, as placed in an arm of a patient. FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of a nanofiber wrap according to the present invention being wrapped around a nerve repair site. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the wrap is placed at the nerve repair site, and more particularly at a joint of the host nerve and the donor nerve. The wrap is placed around the joint and secured with a fixative, such as a drop of fibronectin glue or sutures. FIG. 3C illustrates a sectional schematic view of the wrap placed around the joint of the nerve repair site. The macroporous nanofiber mesh restricts the infiltration of macrophages and fibroblasts to the nerve repair site, while the access of nutrients, growth factors, and oxygen, in general are enabled. The trapped macrophages can also be tuned from an inflammatory phenotype to a pro-healing phenotype (more indicative of M2 phenotype than M1 phenotype), thus rendering the local environment pro-regenerative.

EXAMPLE

An exemplary implementation is described herein. This description is merely illustrative and is not meant to be considered limiting. Thy-1 GFP transgenic rats, whose axons constitutively express GFP, were used for the example. Four groups in total were used; 2 for short-term assessment of nerve regeneration measures (Groups 1 and 2) and 2 others for long-term assessment (Groups 3 and 4).

In Group 1 (control short-term group), a sciatic nerve transection and epineureal repair was performed; in Group 2 (experimental short-term group), in addition to sciatic transection and epineureal repair, the repair site was wrapped with the nanofiber construct. Groups 1 and 2 were harvested at 5 weeks for assessment of nerve inflammation/fibrosis. Groups 3 and 4, consisting of control and experimental long-term groups, respectively, were harvested at 16 weeks for assessment of nerve and muscle functional recovery. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary rat arm nerve to be wrapped with the nanofiber construct for Groups 1 and 3 and an exemplary rat arm nerve to be wrapped with the nanofiber construct for Groups 2 and 4, respectively. FIG. 5, illustrates a summary of the Groups, the intervention used, and the endpoint.

Early measures of nerve regeneration (at 5 weeks following implantation) consisted of inflammation/scarring quantification at the repair site; collagen deposition was assessed by Masson’s Trichrome staining; macrophage invasion was evaluated by co-immunofluorescent staining (CD68/TUJ1 staining); and inflammatory cytokine gene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. Additionally, the number of regenerated myelinated axons was quantified at this early time point by analyzing the histomorphometric measures of nerve cross sections taken 5 mm distal.

Late measures of nerve regeneration (16 weeks) consisted of neuromuscular junction (Sciatic nerve—Soleus muscle) re-innervation quantification (α-Bungarotoxin/GFP staining), muscle histology assessment (gastrocnemius muscle weight and laminin staining), as well as serial electrophysiological measurements starting week 8 (every 2 weeks until week 16). The compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) were measured in the re-innervated intrinsic foot muscles in the plantar surface using subdermal needle electrodes. Stimulation was accomplished by subdermal needle electrodes placed near the sciatic nerve at the sciatic notch.

Masson’s Trichrome and double immunofluorescence staining (ED1+TUJ1) of nerve longitudinal sections 5 weeks following repair showed a significantly decreased level of intraneural scarring and inflammation in the nanofiber nerve wrap group, as determined by collagen quantification (7.4%±1.3 vs. 3.2%±1.3, p<0.05) and macrophage counting (32.2±2.4 cells/mm2 vs. 14.6±1.8 cells/mm2, p<0.05) in the repair site (n=5/group). Collagen was trapped outside the nerve wrap in the experimental group, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B). FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate images and graphical views of the percent of collagen at the repair site and the macrophage counts at the repair site. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the percentage area of Masson’s Trichrome blue staining for collagen was quantified at the coaptation site. As illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, intraneural macrophage (positive for ED-1) were counted at the coaptation site, and results are expressed as cells/mm2 (10 μm sections, 40× mag). ED-1 (CD68): Macrophage marker TUJ1 (Neuronal Class III β-Tubulin): Neurofilament marker.

Mechanistically, these outcomes were correlated to an up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α). FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical view of up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were detected at the nerve repair site in the experimental group. Furthermore, nerve cross sections taken 5 mm distal to the coaptation site demonstrated a significantly increased number of myelinated axons in the experimental group (n=8 per group) (FIGS. 6A-6D).

FIGS. 8A and 8 B illustrate images of nerve cross sections for the control and experimental groups as well as a graphical view of regenerated myelinated axons in the experimental and control groups. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, numbers of regenerated myelinated axons were counted at 5 mm distal to the repair site (ultra-thin sections, 1000× mag).

Electrophysiological measurements showed return of function at week 8 with significantly higher CMAPs in the experimental group. This trend persisted throughout week 16. Furthermore, the number of re-innervated neuromuscular junctions was significantly higher in the experimental group. FIG. 9 illustrates a graphical view of serial electrophysiological measurements showing improved functional recovery in the experimental group.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate images of neuromuscular joints and a graphical view of neuromuscular junction re-innervation quantification. Increased reinnervation in the experimental group was accompanied by decreased gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, as assessed by a higher muscle weight and higher single muscle fiber cross sectional area. FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate image and graphical views of gastrocnemius muscle weight and laminin staining analysis.

These results effectively demonstrated decrease inflammatory response and connective tissue proliferation at the site of neurorrhaphy and improved nerve regeneration with optimal functional outcomes. While the invention is described above with respect to nerve tissue, the invention can also be applied to vessels or any other generally tubular structure. Therefore, the nanofiber wrap design is optimized for minimizing scarring at a connection site between two tubular structures such as nerves or vessels. It can also potentially prevent pain from neuroma formation. The construct can also be applied to blood vessel anastomosis by preventing leakage of blood cells at connection sites.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.