NERVE CULTURE SYSTEM

摘要

Techniques and systems are disclosed for a bioassay that is an in vitro mimic of peripheral nerve generation using the sensory neurons that innervate the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the techniques may assist in detecting the bioactivity or potency of nerve grafts (e.g., processed, acellular human allografts) for fostering or supporting peripheral nerve regeneration. In various embodiments, techniques comprise affixing neurons (e.g., a DRG) to a nerve graft segment to form a test construct; culturing the test construct in a medium; analyzing the test construct to indicate the amount of outgrowing nerve structure; and determining the potency of the nerve graft from a metric derived from the analysis. In some embodiments, techniques and materials may be used to test the effect of a varied test condition on nerve growth.

主权项

1. A method for conducting a bioassay of a nerve graft, the method comprising:
affixing a neuron or group of neurons to a first end of a nerve graft segment to form a test construct; culturing the test construct in a medium for a period of time to allow nerve outgrowth from the neuron into the nerve graft segment; performing an analysis of the test construct, wherein the analysis indicates an amount of an outgrowing nerve structure; and determining a potency of the nerve graft from a metric derived from the analysis.