Polyhydroxyalkanoates as Potential Biomaterials for Neural Tissue Regeneration

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been demonstrated to be a family of biopolymers with good biodegradability and biocompatibility. Designed scaffolds comprising natural and synthetic materials are now widely used in the reconstruction of damaged tissues especially neural tissues. Polyhydroxyalkanoate scaffolds with properties similar to neural structures can be more effective in the reconstruction process. Better cell adhesion and migration, more guiding of axons, and structural features, such as porosity, provide a clearer role in the restoration of neural tissues. Here application of polyhydroxyalkonates as the potential biomaterials in improving performance of injured nerves and neural reconstruction is reviewed.