Progress in Suture-Free Nerve Repair: Integrating Novel Bioadhesives with Electrical Stimulation for Enhanced Regeneration

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a major clinical challenge, with symptoms depending on the severity of axonal damage. Although the mechanisms of nerve degeneration and regeneration are increasingly understood, achieving complete functional recovery remains difficult. Current treatments often result in slow and incomplete regeneration.
In addition to traditional surgical repair, several non-surgical approaches have been explored to enhance nerve healing. Bioadhesives have emerged as alternatives to sutures for nerve coaptation, including self-sealing and light-activated adhesives. Fibrin glue is one of the most widely used due to its biocompatibility; however, it has limited adhesive strength and mechanical stability, which restricts its effectiveness. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed modified fibrin formulations and alternative materials such as chitosan-based adhesives, which provide improved mechanical properties and better support for nerve regeneration.
Another promising strategy is electrical stimulation (ES), which has been shown to accelerate axonal regeneration and improve functional outcomes. ES can be delivered through direct wired systems or wireless technologies, reducing the need for complex implanted devices.
In our study, we use a wireless graft-antenna system to deliver electrical stimulation at the nerve injury site to enhance regeneration. The therapeutic effects are evaluated through behavioral, electrophysiological, and histological assessments, including BBB locomotor scoring, von Frey sensory testing, Hargreaves test, electrophysiology, and histological analysis, to measure functional recovery and nerve regeneration.

Meet Peyman, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in neurosurgery/neurosciences and biotechnology to evaluate the application of a biomaterial on sciatic nerve and spinal cord of rat, at WSU, Australia. Meanwhile, I am the laboratory manager and research assistant (RA) at School of Science, and I am certified to work with animals in Australia.