Research and application of conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration: a narrative review

Autologous nerve grafting has long been considered the gold standard treatment for repairing peripheral nerve injury. However, it faces challenges such as limited availability of donor nerves and complications at the donor site. As a result, there has been an ongoing shift toward the use of novel biomaterials. Conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits appear to be an optimal solution due to their excellent mechanical stability, nanofiber structure, and electrical stimulation properties, which can help restore the original neural microenvironment. This review article focuses on an in-depth investigation of breakthroughs in conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration. It summarizes various conductive materials that have been used in the development of conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits, including carbon nanofibers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles, and conductive polymers such as polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polydioxothiophene. Furthermore, this review also addresses the contributions of various manufacturing strategies, including hybrid electrospinning and surface coating, to the electrical, mechanical, and biological properties of conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits. It also covers the practical applications of these conduits in improving neural cell function and facilitating nerve tissue repair. Although the application prospects of conductive nanofiber nerve guidance conduits are promising, challenges remain in controlling their properties to ensure biocompatibility. Future research will focus on addressing these limitations to optimize the therapeutic applications of conductive nanofiber technology, ultimately providing better treatment outcomes for patients with peripheral nerve injury.