The influence of a fibrin-coating inside a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-e-caprolactone) nerve guide on peripheral nerve regeneration

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a fibrin-coating on the inner surface of a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) nerve guide on the speed and quality of the nerve regeneration. The nerve regeneration and orientation of the nerve fibers, as well as the fibrous tissue formation were evaluated. On the short term, nerve regeneration was slightly faster in the non-coated nerve guide. After longer implantation periods (≥ 4 weeks), nerve regeneration in the fibrin-coated nerve guides was characterized by a severe inflammatory response with large numbers of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN's). This study clearly demonstrates that nerve regeneration in a fibrin-coated nerve guide is not faster when compared with a non-coated nerve guide, and that nerve regeneration in the fibrin-coated nerve guide is even worse after longer implantation periods.