Chapter 21: Use of stem cells for improving nerve regeneration.

A clear need exists for new surgical approaches to enhance the recuperation of functions after peripheral nerve injury and repair. At present, advances in the regenerative medicine fields of biomaterials, cellular engineering, and molecular biology are all contributing to the development of a bioengineered nerve implant, which could be used clinically as an alternative to nerve autograft. In this review we examine the recent progress in this field, looking in particular at the applicability of Schwann cells and stem cell transplantation to enhance nerve regeneration.