TWI428447B - Nerve graft - Google Patents

Description

Nerve transplant

The present invention relates to a nerve graft, and more particularly to a nerve graft for transplantation of an organism.

The nervous system consists mainly of neurons and neuron glial cells, which form a complex and specific communication domain for linking with other tissues or organs for functional coordination. In the nervous system, neurons receive neurons to receive stimuli, conduct and output neurotransmitters for tissue or organ communication, and glial cells perform neuronal physical support, nutrient supply, and regulatory communication. Features such as message speed. Each neuron consists of a cell body and a neurite depending on the type. The neurites extend from the cell body and grow toward other neurons or other cells (eg, muscle cells), where the neurites Divided into axon (axon) and dendrites (dendrite). In general, the stimulus is received by the dendrites and transmits impulses to the cell body, impulses are transmitted through the axons to the ends of the axons, and conductive material is released to trigger other cells.

Since the nervous system plays a coordinating role between tissues and organs in the living body, its importance is self-evident. Previously, neurological deficits due to impaired nervous system were clinically common disabling diseases. Among them, by implanting a nerve graft Repairing the damaged nervous system is an important means of neurosurgery to repair nervous system damage caused by various conditions. Previous nerve grafts are typically "branched" neural tubes at the ends of the damaged portion of the nervous system, which are tubular structures made of biodegradable materials. Neurons at one end of the damaged portion of the nervous system grow neurites along the inner wall of the neural tube to reach the other end of the damaged portion of the nervous system.

In general, the length of the damaged site that needs to be repaired by implanting the neural tube is long, and the growth process of the neurite is very slow, so the neural tube is used to repair the damaged nervous system. The repair time required is longer.

In view of this, it is necessary to provide a method for preparing a nerve graft that reduces the time of repair of a damaged nervous system.

A nerve graft comprising a hydrophobic substrate, a carbon nanotube membrane structure, a protein layer, and a neural network. The carbon nanotube film structure is disposed on a surface of the hydrophobic substrate. The protein layer is disposed on a surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure remote from the hydrophobic substrate. The neural network is disposed on a surface of the protein layer that is remote from the carbon nanotube membrane structure. The neural network includes a plurality of nerve cells and a plurality of neurites, and the neurites between the plurality of nerve cells are interconnected to form a neural network.

The neural graft forms the neural network on the surface of the incubation layer compared to the prior art. The carbon nanotube membrane structure and the hydrophobic substrate in the incubation layer have the advantages of good elasticity and good ductility, and therefore, the nerve graft body It can be cut, stretched and implanted into the damaged area according to the shape and size of the damaged part of the damaged nervous system. The neural network has biological activity and signal transmission capabilities such that the neural graft including the neural network also has biological activity and signal transmission capabilities. When the nerve graft is implanted into the damaged part of the living body, since the neuron in the nerve implant is very close to the neurons at the two ends or the edge of the damaged part, it can be directly The manner in which the neurons in the nerve implant and the neurons at the edge of the damaged site are sutured establishes a signal transmission capability at both ends of the damaged portion, and nerve repair of the damaged portion is completed, thereby saving the neurite The growth time reduces the repair time of the damaged nervous system.

100‧‧‧Neural graft

10‧‧‧cultivation

11‧‧‧Hydraulic substrate

12‧‧‧Nano Carbon Membrane Structure

14‧‧‧protein layer

20‧‧‧Neural Network

22‧‧‧ nerve cells

24‧‧‧Nervous

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for preparing a nerve graft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a scanning electron micrograph of a carbon nanotube film.

Figure 3 is a scanning electron micrograph of a carbon nanotube rolled film.

Figure 4 is a scanning electron micrograph of a carbon nanotube film.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a nerve graft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a nerve graft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a scanning electron micrograph of a carbon nanotube film structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a transmission electron microscope photograph of a carbon nanotube film structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention. sheet.

Figure 9 is a transmission electron micrograph of a cultivating layer provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a scanning electron micrograph of a neural cell implanted on the growth layer differentiated into a plurality of neurites according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a scanning electron micrograph of an unstained nerve graft provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a scanning electron micrograph of a nerve graft after staining according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the present invention provides a method for preparing a nerve graft, comprising: S10, providing a cultivating layer, wherein the cultivating layer comprises a hydrophobic substrate, a carbon nanotube membrane structure and a protein layer, a carbon nanotube membrane structure disposed on the silicone substrate, the protein layer disposed on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure; S20, implanting a plurality of nerve cells on the surface of the protein layer; and S30, cultivating the plurality of nerve cells until the The plurality of neural cells grow a plurality of neurites to form a neural network between the plurality of nerve cells.

In the step S10, the carbon nanotube film structure is composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotubes may extend substantially parallel to a surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure. Preferably, the plurality of carbon nanotubes are connected by Van der Waals attractive force, thereby forming Into a self-supporting structure. The so-called "self-supporting" means that the carbon nanotube film structure can maintain its own specific shape without being disposed on a surface of a substrate. Since a large number of carbon nanotubes in the self-supporting carbon nanotube membrane structure are attracted to each other by van der Waals force, the carbon nanotube membrane structure has a specific shape to form a self-supporting structure. When the carbon nanotube membrane structure is a self-supporting structure, the carbon nanotube membrane structure may be a membrane-like structure formed by at least one carbon nanotube membrane, and when the carbon nanotube membrane structure comprises a plurality of nanometer membrane structures In the case of the carbon nanotube film, the plurality of carbon nanotube films are stacked, and the adjacent carbon nanotube films are combined by van der Waals force. Since the carbon nanotube film is basically composed of a carbon nanotube and the carbon nanotubes are connected by van der Waals, the carbon nanotube film structure has the advantages of good elasticity, good ductility and low density. Easy to cut and stretch.

Referring to FIG. 2, the carbon nanotube film may be a carbon nanotube flocculation membrane, and the carbon nanotube membrane is a self-supporting nanometer obtained by flocculation of a carbon nanotube raw material. Carbon tube membrane. The carbon nanotube flocculation membrane comprises carbon nanotubes which are intertwined and uniformly distributed. The carbon nanotubes have a length greater than 10 microns, preferably from 200 microns to 900 microns, such that the carbon nanotubes are intertwined with each other. The carbon nanotubes are attracted to each other by van der Waals forces to form a network structure. Since the large number of carbon nanotubes in the self-supporting carbon nanotube flocculation membrane are attracted to each other and entangled by van der Waals force, the carbon nanotube flocculation membrane has a specific shape to form a self-supporting structure. . The carbon nanotube flocculation membrane is isotropic. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube flocculation membrane are uniformly distributed and randomly arranged to form a plurality of gaps or micropores having a size ranging from 1 nm to 500 nm. The gap or micropores can increase the specific surface area and infiltration of the carbon nanotube film More protein.

The carbon nanotube film may be a carbon nanotube rolled film, which is a self-supporting carbon nanotube film obtained by rolling a carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube rolled film comprises uniformly distributed carbon nanotubes, and the carbon nanotubes are arranged in the same direction or in different directions. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film partially overlap each other and are attracted to each other by van der Waals force, and the carbon nanotube film has good flexibility and can be flexibly folded. In any shape without breaking. Moreover, since the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film are attracted to each other by the van der Waals force, the carbon nanotube film is a self-supporting structure. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film form an angle β with the surface of the growth substrate forming the carbon nanotube array, wherein β is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 15 degrees, and the angle β is applied The pressure on the carbon nanotube array is related. The larger the pressure, the smaller the angle. Preferably, the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film are aligned parallel to the growth substrate. The carbon nanotube rolled film is obtained by rolling a carbon nanotube array, and the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film have different arrangement forms according to different rolling methods. Specifically, the carbon nanotubes can be arranged in disorder; referring to FIG. 3, when rolling in different directions, the carbon nanotubes are arranged in different orientations; when crushed in the same direction, the carbon nanotubes are along a The orientation is preferred and the orientation is preferred. The length of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube rolled film is greater than 50 microns.

The area of the carbon nanotube rolled film is substantially the same as the size of the carbon nanotube array. The thickness of the carbon nanotube film is related to the height of the carbon nanotube array and the pressure of the rolling, and may be between 0.5 nm and 100 μm. Understandably, carbon nanotubes The greater the height of the array and the lower the applied pressure, the greater the thickness of the prepared carbon nanotube rolled film; conversely, the smaller the height of the carbon nanotube array and the higher the applied pressure, the prepared nano The smaller the thickness of the carbon tube rolled film. There is a gap between adjacent carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film, thereby forming a gap between 1 nm and 500 nm in the carbon nanotube film. Or micropores. The gap or micropores can increase the specific surface area of the carbon nanotube membrane and infiltrate more protein.

The carbon nanotube film may be a carbon nanotube film, and the carbon nanotube film is a self-supporting structure composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of carbon nanotubes are arranged in a preferred orientation along the length direction of the carbon nanotube film. The preferred orientation means that the overall extension direction of most of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film is substantially in the same direction. Moreover, the overall extension direction of the majority of the carbon nanotubes is substantially parallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube film.

Further, most of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are connected end to end by van der Waals force. Specifically, each of the carbon nanotubes of the majority of the carbon nanotubes extending in the same direction in the carbon nanotube film is connected end to end with the carbon nanotubes adjacent in the extending direction by van der Waals force . Of course, there are a few carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film that deviate from the extending direction. These carbon nanotubes do not constitute an obvious alignment of the majority of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film. influences. The self-supporting carbon nanotube film does not require a large-area carrier support, and as long as the support force is provided on both sides, it can be suspended in the whole to maintain its own film state, that is, the carbon nanotube film is placed (or Nano carbon between two supports when fixed on two supports at a distance The tube can be suspended to maintain its own membranous state. The self-supporting is mainly achieved by the presence of continuous carbon nanotubes extending through the end-to-end extension of the van der Waals force in the carbon nanotube film. Specifically, the plurality of carbon nanotubes extending substantially in the same direction in the carbon nanotube film are not absolutely linear and may be appropriately bent; or are not completely aligned in the extending direction, and may be appropriately deviated from the extending direction. . Therefore, it is not possible to exclude partial contact between the carbon nanotubes juxtaposed in the majority of the carbon nanotubes extending substantially in the same direction. Specifically, the carbon nanotube film comprises a plurality of continuous and aligned carbon nanotube segments. The plurality of carbon nanotube segments are connected end to end by van der Waals force. Each carbon nanotube segment consists of a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are parallel to each other. The carbon nanotube segments have any length, thickness, uniformity, and shape. The carbon nanotube film has good light transmittance and the visible light transmittance can reach more than 75%.

When the carbon nanotube film structure comprises a plurality of carbon nanotube film, the plurality of carbon nanotube films are laminated to form a layered structure. The thickness of the layered structure is not limited, and the adjacent carbon nanotube film is bonded by van der Waals force. Preferably, the layered structure comprises a carbon nanotube film having a layer number of less than or equal to 10 layers, so that the number of carbon nanotubes per unit area is small, and the Raman light intensity of the carbon nanotube itself is made strong. It is kept in a small range, thereby reducing the Raman peak intensity of the carbon nanotubes in the Raman spectrum. The carbon nanotubes in the adjacent carbon nanotube film in the layered structure have an intersection angle α between the α and the α is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. When the carbon nanotubes in the adjacent carbon nanotube film have an intersection angle α, the carbon nanotubes in the composite carbon nanotube film are intertwined to form a nerve graft. The mechanical properties of the carbon nanotube membrane structure are increased. In this implementation In the example, the carbon nanotube film structure comprises a plurality of layers of carbon nanotube film laminated, and the intersection angle α between the carbon nanotubes in the adjacent carbon nanotube film is substantially equal to 90 degrees, that is, The extending directions of the carbon nanotubes in the adjacent carbon nanotube film are substantially parallel.

The hydrophobic substrate is used to carry the carbon nanotube membrane structure and protein layer. The hydrophobic substrate has hydrophobicity and good flexibility. The hydrophobic substrate may be made of silicone or coated with silicone. The shape and thickness of the hydrophobic substrate can be designed according to the shape and thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure. For example, the area and shape of the surface of the hydrophobic substrate may be substantially equivalent to the area and shape of the carbon nanotube film structure. It can be understood that when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure is thin, the carbon nanotube film structure has small mechanical strength and a large specific surface area, so the carbon nanotube membrane structure solution is subjected to an external force. It is damaged or easily adheres to other hydrophilic objects. When the carbon nanotube film structure is disposed on the surface of the hydrophobic substrate to form a biological substrate, the mechanical strength of the biological substrate is larger than that of the carbon nanotube film structure, thereby making the structure of the carbon nanotube film more uncomfortable. The external action causes breakage, and at the same time facilitates movement and prevents the carbon nanotube film structure from adhering to the hydrophilic object.

The protein layer is disposed on a surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure for imparting hydrophilicity and biocompatibility to the carbon nanotube layer, thereby enabling the cultivation layer to be capable of planting the nerve cell And grow to provide a suitable environment. Specifically, the protein layer is disposed on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure away from the hydrophobic substrate. Preferably, the protein in the protein layer is a soluble protein. The protein may be selected from a fibrous protein Quality, plasma protein and enzyme protein. In this embodiment, the protein is a mammalian serum such as porcine serum, bovine serum or human serum. The serum not only provides a suitable environment for the growth and growth of the nerve cells, but also provides a growth factor for the nerve cells as they grow.

The preparation method of the incubation layer is not limited as long as the protein layer can be mixed with the carbon nanotube membrane structure. For example, the protein solution may be infiltrated into the carbon nanotube membrane structure by immersing the carbon nanotube membrane structure in a protein solution, thereby allowing proteins in the protein solution to adhere to the nanometer. The carbon nanotube film structure forms a protein layer away from the surface of the hydrophobic substrate. The protein solution may also be sprayed onto the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure remote from the hydrophobic substrate such that the protein layer is disposed on the surface. A protein solution may also be dropped on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure away from the hydrophobic substrate, and the protein layer may be placed on the surface by means of a ruthenium membrane. The protein solution may include, in addition to the protein, a biological medium that dissolves the protein, and the type of the biological medium is not limited and may be modulated depending on the type of the protein. Usually, the concentration of the protein in the protein solution is 50% or more and 100% or less. In this embodiment, the protein concentration in the protein solution is 100%, that is, the protein solution is a pure protein and does not require solvent dissolution.

Since the carbon nanotube membrane structure comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a gap exists between the plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a plurality of micropores, the protein solution is infiltrated when the protein solution infiltrates the carbon nanotube membrane structure Permeable into the carbon nanotube membrane The structure internally wets the surface of the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Of course, in the cultivating layer, not all the surface of the carbon nanotubes can be infiltrated with a protein layer, but only a part of the carbon nanotubes located on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure in which the nerve cells need to be cultured are required. Infiltrating with a protein solution, a protein layer can be formed on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure, so that the carbon nanotube membrane structure has hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, so that the growth layer has a carrier for nerve cell growth. The function. This is because, because of the hydrophobicity of the carbon nanotubes, the structure of the carbon nanotube membrane composed of carbon nanotubes does not provide a suitable hydrophilic environment for nerve cell growth. When the surface of the carbon nanotube is covered with a hydrophilic and non-toxic protein layer, the structure composed of the carbon nanotubes covered with the protein can provide a suitable hydrophilic environment for cell growth. In this embodiment, the method for preparing the cultivating layer may further include the following steps: In this embodiment, the method for preparing the cultivating layer may further include the following steps: S11, providing the hydrophobic substrate; S12, The carbon nanotube film structure is disposed on the surface of the hydrophobic substrate; S13, the nanocarbon film structure is infiltrated with a protein solution; and S14, the carbon nanotube film structure infiltrated with the protein solution is sterilized Processing forms the incubation layer.

In step S11, the hydrophobic substrate is made of silicone or the surface is coated with silicone. Tannin is a commonly used implant material for living organisms, is non-toxic to organisms, and has good flexibility. Therefore, the tantalum substrate is prepared or coated with The hydrophobic substrate of silicone can be directly implanted into the human body.

In step S12, in order to bind the carbon nanotube film structure to the surface of the silicone substrate more closely, the carbon nanotube film structure may be subjected to an organic solvent treatment. Specifically, the carbon nanotube film structure disposed on the surface of the silicone substrate may be covered or dropped with a solvent which is easily volatilized, such as an organic solvent, and the solvent may be volatilized, thereby reducing the structure of the carbon nanotube film. The specific surface area and the adhesion of the carbon nanotube film structure to the silicone substrate.

In step S13, the manner in which the carbon nanotube membrane structure is impregnated with the protein solution is not limited as long as the protein in the protein solution is attached to the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure to form a protein layer. For example, infiltration of the protein solution can be achieved by immersing the carbon nanotube membrane structure in the protein solution. Infiltration of the protein solution can also be achieved by spraying the protein solution on the carbon nanotube membrane structure. In this embodiment, in order to achieve infiltration of the protein solution, the carbon nanotube membrane structure is selected to be immersed in pure protein. The soaking time of the carbon nanotube membrane structure depends on the specific structure of the nanotube membrane structure and the specific composition of the protein solution, as long as most of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure can be made. Infiltrate with a protein solution. Typically, the carbon nanotube membrane structure has a soaking time of more than 2 hours. The environment in which the carbon nanotube membrane structure is immersed is not limited as long as the protein is not deteriorated. Generally, the soaking process can be carried out under normal temperature and normal pressure environments.

When the carbon nanotube membrane structure is immersed in the protein solution, the protein solution may infiltrate a portion of the carbon nanotube membrane in the carbon nanotube membrane structure, and may also infiltrate the carbon nanotube membrane All carbon nanotubes in the structure. Usually when When the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure is thin, for example, when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure is less than or equal to 10 μm, the protein solution may infiltrate all the nanoparticles in the carbon nanotube film structure. Carbon tube. When the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure is thick, such as when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure is greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, the protein solution may infiltrate the carbon nanotube film structure away from the A carbon nanotube of a hydrophobic base portion. It should be noted that the protein solution is infiltrated by all the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure, in addition to the thickness of the carbon nanotube membrane structure, and the infiltration time and the protein solution. Concentration related. For example, when the infiltration time is short, even if the carbon nanotube membrane structure is thin, the protein solution may only infiltrate a part of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure.

In step S14, the manner in which the carbon nanotube membrane structure infiltrated with the protein solution is sterilized is not limited as long as most of the bacteria in the protein solution can be killed. For example, the protein solution can be sterilized by high temperature sterilization or ultraviolet light sterilization. In this embodiment, the protein solution is sterilized by high temperature sterilization. Of course, in order to prevent the protein in the protein solution from being destroyed, the temperature at the time of high temperature sterilization must not exceed 220 degrees. In the present embodiment, the temperature at the time of high temperature sterilization is approximately 120 degrees. It can be understood that this step S14 can be omitted when there are few bacteria in the protein solution. When the protein solution infiltrated in the carbon nanotube membrane structure is sterilized, the solvent or moisture in the protein solution will be reduced. Generally, the protein solution infiltrated in the carbon nanotube membrane structure is solidified as the solvent or moisture is reduced, thereby forming a surface on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure. Said protein layer.

In step S10, in order to increase the adhesion of the culture layer to the nerve cells and provide a growth environment more suitable for the nerve cells, after forming the protein layer, the step S10 may further include the following steps: S15, away from the protein layer The surface of the hydrophobic substrate forms a poly-D-lysine (PDL) layer.

In step S20, the nerve cells include nerve cells of a mammal, and preferably, the nerve cells are hippocampal neurons. A method of implanting a plurality of nerve cells on the surface of the cultivating layer is not limited, and a solution containing the nerve cells may be sprayed or coated on a surface of the cultivating layer away from the hydrophobic substrate, or the cultivating layer may be immersed in the In the nerve cell fluid containing nerve cells, the nerve cell solution may be covered with the growth layer. In order for the nerve cell fluid to cover the incubation layer, the nerve cell fluid may be contained in a culture dish. The incubation layer can be suspended in the culture dish. It may also be disposed on a bottom surface of the culture dish as long as the culture liquid can cover the nerve cells. When the incubation layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the culture dish, the hydrophobic substrate is in contact with the bottom surface such that the nerve cells are only distributed on the surface of the protein layer.

In step S30, the incubation environment of the nerve cells is not limited as long as the neurites can be grown. Generally, the nerve cells can grow in a normal temperature and a normal pressure environment. That is, by placing the nerve cells in an indoor environment, the nerve cells can grow, and proteins such as bovine serum in the culture layer can provide a growth factor and promote the growth of the nerve cells. Of course, the cultivation environment can also be connected. The in vivo growth environment of the organism providing the nerve cell is also possible. For example, when the nerve cell is a hippocampal nerve cell taken from a mouse, the growth environment in the mouse can be simulated.

The nerve cells are capable of growing a plurality of neurites when incubated. The neurites include dendrites and axons (Axon). When there is only one nerve cell on the surface of the growth layer, the nerve cells of the nerve cell randomly grow in various directions along the surface of the growth layer. However, since the nerve cells themselves release a factor that induces directional growth of the neurites, when the plurality of nerve cells are disposed on the surface of the growth layer, the nerve cells of the nerve cells have a tendency to grow along adjacent nerve cells. Thereby the adjacent nerve cells can be connected and communicated. Therefore, by controlling the distribution of nerve cells in the growth layer, the growth direction of the neurites can be controlled. For example, if the neural cell line is randomly and evenly distributed on the surface of the incubation layer, the nerve cells will each grow a neurite out to connect with adjacent cells, when all or most of the nerve cells of the plurality of nerve cells are When a neurite is connected between adjacent nerve cells, the plurality of nerve cells form the neural network by the neurites, so that the plurality of nerve cells can communicate with each other. If the neurites of adjacent nerve cells meet, they will merge into the same neurite. For example, when the nerve cells are arranged in a line or array on the surface of the layer, and the nerve cells in the longitudinal direction are close to each other, and the nerve cells in the lateral direction are far apart, at this time, The nerve cells grown by the nerve cells may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction. In order to enable the nerve cells to be arranged in a line or array on the surface of the layer, it is optional to The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film extend substantially in the same direction. By culturing, nerve cells adjacent to each other are mostly connected by neurites to form the neural network. The neural network forms the nerve graft together with the incubation layer.

The method for preparing the implant is characterized in that a carbon nanotube film structure is disposed on the surface of the hydrophobic substrate, and a protein layer is formed on the surface of the carbon nanotube film structure away from the surface of the hydrophobic substrate to form a growth layer, thereby enabling the cultivation A plurality of nerve cells are implanted on the surface of the protein layer in the layer, and the plurality of nerve cells are grown to form a plurality of neurites connected to the plurality of nerve cells. The silicone substrate is hydrophobic and does not allow the nerve cells to adsorb thereon, i.e., does not provide an environment for the growth of the nerve cells, so the nerve cells will only grow on the surface of the protein layer.

The carbon nanotube membrane structure is a macroscopic membrane-like structure, and the area thereof can generally reach 15 mm×15 mm or more. Specifically, the length of the carbon nanotube membrane structure can reach 300 m or more and the width can reach More than 0.5 meters. The hydrophobic substrate is also a macroscopic structure, and its shape and area can be adjusted according to the shape and area of the carbon nanotube film structure. Moreover, the carbon nanotube film structure and the hydrophobic substrate have the advantages of good elasticity, good ductility and no metal, and can be directly implanted into the living body. Therefore, the nerve graft body mainly composed of the carbon nanotube membrane structure and the hydrophobic substrate can be cut, stretched, and implanted into the damaged portion according to the shape and size of the damaged portion of the damaged nervous system. The neural network has biological activity and signal transmission capability, so that the nerve graft including the neural network also has biological activity and signal transmission capability. When the nerve graft When the damaged part in the living body is implanted, the nerve implant can be directly sutured because the distance between the neuron in the nerve implant and the nerve at both ends or the edge of the damaged part is short. The way the neurons in the body and the neurons at the edge of the damaged part establish a signal transmission capability at both ends of the damaged part, complete the nerve repair of the damaged part, thereby saving the growth time of the neurite and reducing the The time of repair of the damaged nervous system. It can be understood that even when the nerve implant is implanted into the damaged site, no direct suturing is performed, because the distance of the neurons at the edge of the damaged portion of the neuron in the nerve implant is smaller than the received The distance between the neurons at both ends of the lesion is reduced. Therefore, by implanting the nerve implant, the growth time of the neurites can also be reduced, thereby reducing the repair time of the damaged nervous system.

It is to be noted that, in general, the carbon nanotubes in the structure of the carbon nanotube membrane refer to a carbon nanotube that has not been subjected to chemical or physical treatment, such as a carbon nanotube that has not been subjected to surface hydrophilic treatment, That is, the carbon nanotubes are pure carbon nanotubes. Of course, if the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure are modified carbon nanotubes, as long as they are not toxic to nerve cells, they should be within the scope of the present invention. The modification of the carbon nanotubes does not have any substantial contribution to the realization of the present invention because, after the protein layer covers the carbon nanotubes, the nerve cells are not in direct contact with the carbon nanotubes. The surface structure of the carbon nanotube is actually negligible.

The nerve graft provided by the present invention may include a product obtained by culturing a neural network formed by a plurality of nerve cells and neurites on the surface of the growth layer including the carbon nanotube membrane structure and the protein layer by the above-described method for preparing a nerve graft.

Referring to FIG. 5, the nerve graft 100 includes a seed layer 10 and a neural network 20 distributed on the surface of the layer 10.

The incubation layer 10 includes a hydrophobic substrate 11, a carbon nanotube membrane structure 12, and a protein layer 14. The carbon nanotube film structure 12 is disposed on one or opposite surfaces of the hydrophobic substrate 11. The protein layer 14 is disposed on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 away from the hydrophobic substrate 11. In the present embodiment, the carbon nanotube film structure 12 is provided only on one surface of the hydrophobic substrate 11.

The hydrophobic substrate 11 may be made of silicone or coated with silicone. Tannin is a commonly used implant material for living organisms, is non-toxic to organisms, and has good flexibility. Therefore, the hydrophobic substrate 11 formed or coated with the tannin extract can be directly implanted into the human body.

The carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure, and adjacent carbon nanotubes are connected to each other by van der Waals to form a self-supporting structure. The carbon nanotube film structure 12 includes at least one carbon nanotube film, which may be a carbon nanotube film as shown in FIG. 2, and a carbon nanotube film in FIG. And the carbon nanotube film in Figure 4. In the present embodiment, the carbon nanotube film structure 12 includes a plurality of laminated films disposed in a plurality of layers, and the adjacent drawn films are bonded to each other by a vantage force. In the adjacent drawn film, the extending direction of the carbon nanotubes may have an intersection angle, and preferably, the crossing angle is 90 degrees. The thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 can be set according to specific needs. Typically, the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 has a thickness greater than 0.3 microns and less than 60 microns. In this embodiment, the carbon nanotube film structure 12 The thickness is approximately 0.6 microns.

The protein layer 14 is composed of a soluble protein. The so-called soluble protein, that is, the protein has good hydrophilicity. The thickness of the protein layer 14 is not limited as long as a hydrophilic environment can be provided. Typically, the protein layer 14 has a thickness of from 0.3 microns to 2 microns. In this embodiment, the protein layer has a thickness of approximately 0.5 microns. Macroscopically, the protein layer 14 can optionally be disposed only on the surface of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 remote from the hydrophobic substrate 11. Microscopically, the protein in the protein layer 14 easily penetrates into the interior of the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 and coats some or all of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12, There is no distinct interface between the protein layer 14 and the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12. Generally, when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 is thin, for example, when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 is less than or equal to 3 μm, the protein in the protein layer 14 easily penetrates into the The interior of the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 substantially covers all of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12. When the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 is relatively thick, for example, when the thickness of the carbon nanotube film structure 12 is greater than or equal to 3 micrometers, the protein in the protein layer 14 can penetrate into the tissue. The inside of the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 is generally only coated with the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 near the carbon nanotubes of the neural network 20. In this embodiment, the protein in the protein layer 14 substantially coats all of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12.

The neural network 20 is disposed on a surface of the protein layer 14 that is remote from the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12. When the nerve graft 100 includes only one nanometer When the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 and the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12 are disposed away from the surface of the hydrophobic substrate 11 with a protein layer 14, the nerve graft 100 includes only one neural network 20 disposed on the surface of the protein layer 14. . When the nerve graft 100 includes two carbon nanotube membrane structures 12 respectively disposed on both surfaces of the hydrophobic substrate 11, and each of the carbon nanotube membrane structures 12 is disposed away from the surface of the hydrophobic substrate 11 In a protein layer 14, the neural graft 100 may include two neural networks 20 disposed on the surface of the two protein layers 14, respectively, or may include only one neural network 20 disposed in one of the protein layers 14. surface. In the present embodiment, the nerve graft 100 includes only one carbon nanotube membrane structure 12, a protein layer 14 disposed on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure 12, and a protein layer 14 disposed thereon. The neural network 20 of the surface.

It can be understood that, in order to improve the bacteriostasis of the biological graft 100 and increase the life of the nerve graft 100, the nerve graft 100 may further include a poly-lysine layer disposed on the neural network 20 Between the protein layer 14 and the protein layer 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, the neural network 20 includes a plurality of neural cells 22 and a plurality of neurites 24 extending from the plurality of nerve cells 22. The number of neurites 24 extending from each of the nerve cells 22 is not limited as long as the biological connection between the plurality of nerve cells 22 can be established so that the plurality of nerve cells 22 can communicate with each other. For example, one of the nerve cells 22 may extend out of the plurality of neurites 24 or may not extend out of any of the neurites 24.

The nerve graft 100 of the present invention has a neural network 20 in the nervous system in the repairing organism disposed on the surface of the incubation layer 10. And in the incubation layer 10 The hydrophobic substrate 11 has the advantages of being metal-free, having good elasticity, being less corrosive, and having good ductility. The carbon nanotube film structure 12 in the incubation layer 10 is a self-supporting structure consisting essentially of carbon nanotubes, and has the advantages of no metal, good elasticity, non-corrosion, good ductility and low density. Therefore, the incubation layer 10 can be implanted into the living body along with the plurality of nerve cells 22 connected by the plurality of neurites 24 for repairing the damaged nervous system in the living body, and can be based on the trauma of the nervous system in the living body. The nerve graft 100 is cut or stretched in area.

Hereinafter, a method for preparing a nerve graft of the present invention and a nerve graft will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

The invention provides a preparation method of a nerve graft, which comprises the following steps: S210, providing a silicone substrate.

The size and thickness of the silicone substrate can be determined according to actual needs. For example, if the area of the desired nerve graft is 3 square centimeters, the area of the silicone substrate may be greater than or equal to 3 square centimeters. The silicone substrate is metal free and substantially non-toxic to the organism.

S220, laying a carbon nanotube film structure on a surface of the silicone substrate.

In order to bind the carbon nanotube film structure to the surface of the silicone substrate more closely, the carbon nanotube film structure may be subjected to an organic solvent treatment. Specifically, the carbon nanotube film structure disposed on the surface of the silicone substrate may be covered or dropped with a solvent which is easily volatilized, such as an organic solvent, and the solvent may be volatilized, thereby reducing the structure of the carbon nanotube film. Specific surface area and increase the structure and structure of the carbon nanotube film The adhesion of the silicone substrate. The carbon nanotube membrane structure comprises a plurality of layers of carbon nanotube membranes, and the direction of extension of the carbon nanotubes between adjacent carbon nanotube membranes has an intersection angle. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, preferably, the angle of intersection is substantially equal to 90 degrees.

S230, soaking a silicone substrate paved with a carbon nanotube membrane structure in a protein solution.

Since the carbon nanotube film structure is disposed on the surface of the silicone substrate, when the carbon nanotube film structure is immersed in the pure protein together with the silicone substrate, the carbon nanotube film structure is subjected to a liquid surface The probability of damage caused by tension will be greatly reduced. The protein solution is pure bovine serum solution. Referring to FIG. 9, when the carbon nanotube membrane structure is immersed from the protein solution for about 1.5 hours, most of the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane may be infiltrated with a protein solution.

S240, removing the tantalum substrate with a carbon nanotube film structure from the protein solution, and performing high temperature sterilization treatment at 120 degrees Celsius to form a seed layer.

After the silicone substrate having the carbon nanotube film structure is taken out from the protein solution, it can be subjected to heat sterilization treatment in a dry box. The sterilization temperature of the drying oven is approximately 120 degrees. After the sterilization treatment, the protein in the protein solution is substantially solidified, and a protein layer is formed on the surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure to form the cultivation layer.

S250, immersing the incubation layer in a polylysine solution.

The concentration of polylysine in the polylysine solution is approximately 20 micrograms per milliliter. By soaking, the surface of the layer is attached with polylysine and provides an aqueous environment.

S260, adding a nerve cell liquid to the soaked culture layer until the nerve cell liquid covers the cultivation layer.

Since the cultivating layer has a silicone substrate, the cultivating layer can be directly disposed in a container such as a petri dish through which the carbon nanotube film structure is not in contact with the inner surface of the container.

S270, cultivating the plurality of nerve cells attached to the cultivating layer, and growing the plurality of nerve cells to form a plurality of neurites connected between the plurality of nerve cells, thereby forming a neural network in the cultivating layer.

The cultivation environment of the nerve cells is an ordinary indoor environment, and the cultivation time can be determined according to actual needs. Therefore, in the environment of step S260, referring to FIG. 10, the various conditions are maintained, and the nerve cells are differentiated into a plurality of neurites by culturing in an indoor environment for about 15 days. When the nerve cells are grown, the protein, such as bovine serum, is capable of providing a growth factor for growth of the neural cells. After the plurality of nerve cells on the plurality of nerve cells are connected to each other, the neural network and the transplant body are formed. Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the nerve graft is not stained by scanning electron micrograph and stained. After the transmission electron micrograph. It can be clearly seen from the above-mentioned projection electron micrograph that a plurality of nerve cells in the nerve graft are connected by neurites. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 11, although some nerve cells extend out of a plurality of neurites, they do not pass through the plurality of nerve cells. The neurites are connected to other nerve cells, but this does not affect the biologically active nature of the nerve graft as a whole.

It is to be noted that since the silicone substrate in the incubation layer separates the container of the carbon nanotube membrane structure, the silicone substrate itself is hydrophobic. Therefore, the nerve cells will only adsorb on and grow on the surface of the protein layer disposed on the carbon nanotube membrane structure without growing on the surface of the silicone substrate or the inner surface of the container.

In summary, the present invention has indeed met the requirements of the invention patent, and has filed a patent application according to law. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is not possible to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Equivalent modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art in light of the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

20‧‧‧Neural Network

22‧‧‧ nerve cells

24‧‧‧Nervous

Claims (12)

A nerve graft comprising a hydrophobic substrate, a carbon nanotube membrane structure, a protein layer, and a neural network, wherein: the carbon nanotube membrane structure is disposed on a surface of the hydrophobic substrate The protein layer is disposed on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure away from the hydrophobic substrate; and the neural network is disposed on a surface of the protein layer away from the carbon nanotube film structure, The neural network includes a plurality of nerve cells and a plurality of neurites, and the neurites between the plurality of nerve cells are connected to each other to form a neural network. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the nerve graft has an area greater than 15 mm × 15 mm. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic substrate is made of silicone or the surface is coated with silicone. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube membrane structure comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to a surface of the carbon nanotube membrane structure, and adjacent nanocarbons The tubes are interconnected by van der Waals to form a self-supporting structure. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube membrane structure comprises at least one carbon nanotube membrane, wherein the carbon nanotube membrane comprises a carbon nanotube flocculation membrane, and a nanometer Carbon tube rolled film or carbon nanotube film. The nerve graft of claim 5, wherein the carbon nanotube membrane The structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotube film stacking arrangements, and adjacent carbon nanotube films are connected by van der Waals force. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube membrane structure is composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and the plurality of carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube membrane structure pass the van der Waals force End-to-end and axially extending in the same direction. The nerve graft of claim 7, wherein the neurites in the nerve cells extend substantially in the same direction. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the protein in the protein layer is a soluble protein. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the protein in the protein layer comprises serum of a mammal. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein the protein in the protein layer penetrates into the interior of the carbon nanotube membrane structure and coats a portion of the carbon nanotube membrane structure or All carbon nanotubes. The nerve graft of claim 1, wherein each nerve cell in the neural network comprises at least one neurite protruding from an adjacent nerve cell.