A research team led by Kyoto University School of Medicine, together with Saga University and Cyfuse Co., Ltd., succeeded in developing nerve regeneration technology for the first time in the world using a bio 3D printer as a new treatment method for peripheral nerve injury.

 Currently, the mainstream treatment for peripheral nerve injury is to transplant a part of the nerve such as the patient's lower leg.However, because a part of the healthy nerve was removed, it caused sensory nerve paralysis and abnormal perception around the collection site.Therefore, artificial nerves using various artificial materials have been developed, but the treatment results equivalent to those of autologous nerve transplantation have not been obtained, and they are not widely used.

 Cyfuse has developed a technology for stacking cell aggregates on Mt. Tsurugi and a ripening technology using a reflux device by utilizing the phenomenon that separated cells aggregate.As a result, we have succeeded in developing the world's first bio 3D printer "Regenova" that produces a three-dimensional structure consisting only of cells.This time, we succeeded in producing a bio-three-dimensional nerve regeneration conduit structure that induces regenerative nerve axons, based on the technology based on the production results of cartilage tissue, vascular tissue, etc.

 In the case of artificial nerves, the lack of cellular components and the lack of environmental factors such as cytokines required for induction of regenerative axons were considered to be the reasons why good results could not be obtained.Therefore, the research team transplanted a bio-three-dimensional nerve regeneration duct made only of cells using "Regenova" into a rat sciatic nerve injury model, and obtained results that were better than artificial nerves and comparable to autologous nerve transplantation.It is said that good induction of regenerative axons was obtained by cytokines and angiogenesis released from bionerve three-dimensional regeneration ducts prepared from fibroblasts.

 In the future, after obtaining a non-clinical POC and clearing a non-clinical safety study, the company plans to start a doctor-led clinical trial three years later.

Kyoto University

Foster a free academic style based on the spirit of "self-respect for self-weight" and open up a world of creative learning.

With the motto of self-study, we will continue to maintain a free academic style that is not bound by common sense, and develop human resources who have both creativity and practical ability.We provide an inclusive learning space that allows for diverse and hierarchical choices so that students themselves can choose a solid future through valuable trial and error. […]

Saga University

Aspirations, challenges, and the future.Foster attractive human resources who can play an active role in a diversifying future

Saga University is a national university that was established in 1949 with the former Saga University established in 1976 and the Saga Medical University established in 2004 as the parent body. It has 6 faculties and 6 graduate schools, and about 5,800 undergraduate students are enrolled.Along with acquiring knowledge in specialized fields, a wide range of education, cooperation with others, and independent learning […]

University Journal Online Editorial Department

This is the online editorial department of the university journal.
Articles are written by editorial staff who have a high level of knowledge and interest in universities and education.