biomaterial synthesis
and characterization
welcome to the
axogen innovation lab
bioelectronics
we are passionate about restoring nerve function and
quality of life to patients with peripheral nerve injuries
histopathology
image analysis
tissue processing
cell culture
tissue engineering
• active laminin
• collagen
• sugar side chains of CSPG
The peripheral nerve endoneurial tubes
(tubes that house individual axons) contain the:
which are involved in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration. EndFragment
nerve anatomy
rough nerve surface
intact ECM integrity
compromised ECM integrity
used surgical scissors
trimming is a critical step to prepare the nerve ends for
repair and regeneration
prevention of compression
new surgical blade #11
nerve compression
smooth nerve surface
the gap between
transected nerve
ends must be
bridged by a
delicate fibrin cable
unprocessed peripheral nerve
processed nerve allograft
high resolution imaging shows similarities between native nerve and
processed nerve allograft
microarchitecture maintenance
cell removal
axogen-developed histological assays ensure the quality of every lot of
processed nerve allograft
sidechain removal from CSPG
inactivated nerve tissue -
limited neurite extension
neurites | green (GAP-43)
whole DRG
in vitro assays help identify the next generation of peripheral nerve repair solutions
bioactive material -
organized neurites
bioactivated culture media -
increased neurite outgrowth
inactive material -
disorganized neurites
neurites | brown (beta III tubulin)
inactivated culture media -
limited neurite outgrowth
bioactivated nerve tissue -
neurite extension
normal healthy muscle
healthy normal nerve fibers
excess collagen deposition
axons: red | myelin: green
pre-clinical model development allows for exploration of peripheral nerve
injuries and new solutions to help patients
normal epineurium
loss of muscle mass
injured surrounding tissue and non-transected nerve
smaller fibers: nerve injury
healthy surrounding tissue and non-transected nerve
healthy tissue
injured tissue
and drive the
science of peripheral
nerve repair
brand new state of
the art facility in
downtown Tampa
built to foster
innovation and
collaboration
continue the conversation with a VIP
tour of R&D laboratories
allograft
processing is
designed to
mimic wallerian
degeneration
size-matched allografts provide more fascicular area than similarly sized
cable autograft
cabled sural nerve autograft
native nerve to be repaired by grafting
revolutionizing the science of nerve repair®
© 2024 Axogen CorporationThe stylized “a” is a trademark of Axogen Corporation, MAT-US-CORP-0010.
EndFragment
wallerian
degeneration
prepares the
injured nerve
for regeneration
• the active laminin
• collagen
• sugar side chains of CSPG
effects of flexion-extension on direct repair
epineurial retraction with fasicular escape
host response to suture
epineurial suturing minimizes the impact to the regenerating axons
direct neurorrhaphy
epineurial suture placement
perineurial suture placement
epineurial tearing
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natural ECM scaffold
native nerve vs. allograft
nerve physiology: degeneration and regeneration
suturing and tension
large diameter nerve gap repair
preclinical model development
in vitro assays
DR vs. CAR
axoguard HA+ technology
trimming
axogen lab VIP tour
zone of injury
fibrin cable: nerve gap
avive+ technology
preclinical model application
quality assurance assays
avance method
biomaterial platforms
indications-contraindications
the resorbing lubricating layer reduces friction, creates
a separating layer
conforms to the shape of the
tissue for optimal protection
axoguard HA+ design characteristics enable remodeling and
vascularization, a lubrication layer for gliding, and ideal handling
SIS membrane provides a natural scaffold that allows body
to restore itself through site-specific remodeling.
translucent, allows clear
visualization of underlying tissue
natural ECM
scaffold
post implantation
vascularization
SIS is a natural scaffold that offers long term protection through
site-specific remodeling into the patient’s own tissue.
SIS membrane provides
a natural scaffold that
allows the body to
restore itself through
site-specific remodeling.
capillaries
cellular infiltration
supports vascularization
and remodeling by host
cells, resulting in a new
tissue layer
revolutionizing the science of nerve repair®
epineurial retraction
with fasicular escape
effects of flexion-extension on direct repair
zone of injury is
~ 13 mm + lost tissue
micro-computed tomography
proximal nerve end
distal nerve end
distal nerve end
zone of injury extends into the proximal and distal nerve
ends after sharp laceration with knife
scanning electron microscopy
distal nerve end
zone of injury extends into the proximal and distal nerve
ends after complex laceration with circular saw
zone of injury is
~ 18 mm + lost tissue
proximal nerve end
distal nerve end
zone of injury is about ~ 13 mm + lost tissue
zone of injury is ~ 18 mm + lost tissue
zone of injury is
~ 14 mm + lost tissue
zone of injury extends into the proximal and distal nerve
ends after laceration with broken glass
zone of injury is ~ 14 mm + lost tissue
small intestine submucosa
(SIS) - based biomaterial
biomaterial resorption
biomaterial platform with distinct applications for nerve protection
7 days post implantation
placental-derived biomaterial
16 weeks post implantation
biomaterial remodeling
trichrome staining
connector-assisted repair (CAR)
cellular debris
phagocytic cell, brown
nerve and muscle injury
nerve connector
excess cellular debris
reduced cellular debris
axons, red | myelin, green
fewer myelinated neurons
myelinated neurons
in an injured tissue bed, axoguard nerve connector protects the coaptation site during critical healing period
excess phagocytic cells
direct repair (DR)
fewer phagocytic cells
bioactivated nerve tissue - neurite extension
inactive material - disorganized neurites
bioactive culture media - increased neurite outgrowth
inactivated nerve tissue - limited neurite extension
inactive culture media - limited neurite outgrowth
bioactive material - organized neurites
direct repair (DR)
reduced cellular debris
connector-assisted
repair (CAR)
excess phagocytic cells
myelinated neurons
fewer myelinated neurons
fewer phagocytic cells
placental-derived soft tissue matrix designed for optimal handling suitable for nerve, tendon, and other soft tissue procedures
processing removes the trophoblast layer while maintaining amnion and chorion with no maternal components
minimally processed soft tissue matrix retains
inherent properties of anmiotic tissue
epithelial cells lining the amnion layer
the orientation of the outer layers is confirmed by histological evaluation for every lot
the orientation of the multi-layer placenta-derived tissue matrix
is confirmed by histological evaluation for every lot
multi-layer soft tissue matrix
illustration adapted from:
Uchide et al. Mediators Inflamm. 2012; 2012: 270670.
placental tissue consists of amnion and chorion separating the maternal and fetal sides.
unprocessed peripheral nerve
processed nerve
allograft
injured surrounding tissue
axons: red | myelin: green
healthy surrounding tissue
excess collagen desposition
used surgical
scissors
new surgical blade #11
new surgical
blade #11
nerve protector
nerve injury
injury test
healthy
epineurium
and fascicles
cells, red
collagen, blue
injury control
muscle injury
excess
intraneural
collagen
healthy control
minimized
collagen
deposition
in an injured tissue bed, axoguard HA+ acts as a
physical barrier and protects the nerve
Regulatory Classification:
StartFragmentAvance Nerve Graft is processed and distributed in accordance with US FDA requirements for Human Cellular and Tissue-based Products (HCT/P) under 21 CFR Part 1271 regulations, US State regulations and the guidelines of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Additionally, international regulations are followed as appropriate.
Indication for Use:
Avance Nerve Graft is processed nerve allograft (human) intended for the surgical repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities to support regeneration across the defect.EndFragmentStartFragment
Contraindications:Avance Nerve Graft is contraindicated for use in any patient in whom soft tissue implants are contraindicated. This includes any pathology that would limit the blood supply and compromise healing or evidence of a current infection.EndFragment
Intended Use:
StartFragmentAvive+ Soft Tissue Matrix is intended for use as a soft tissue barrier. The allograft may be used in numerous clinical applications, including covering the peripheral nerve to separate and protect the nerve from the surrounding environment. Rx Only The allograft is to be dispensed only by or on the order of a licensed health professional. Each allograft is intended for single-patient use.
Contraindications:
Avive+ Soft Tissue Matrix is contraindicated for use in any patient in whom soft tissue implants are contraindicated. This includes any pathology that would limit the blood supply and compromise healing or evidence of a current infection.EndFragment
Regulatory Classifications:
StartFragment• US – Class II Medical Device – 510(k) cleared• EU – Class III Medical Device – CE Marked• UK – Class III Medical Device – CE Marked till 30th June 2028• New Zealand Wand – Class III Medical Device• Canada – Class 4 Medical Device
Indication for Use:
StartFragmentAxoguard Nerve Protector is indicated for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries in which there is no gap.
EndFragmentContraindications:
This device is derived from a porcine source and should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine material.
NOTE: This device is not intended for use in vascular applications.EndFragment
Regulatory Classifications:
• US – Class II Medical Device – 510(k) cleared
Indications for Use (US):
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is indicated for the management of peripheral nerve injuries where there is no gap, or following the closure of the gap.
Contraindications:
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector base membrane is derived from a porcine source and the lubricant coating is composed of sodium hyaluronate and sodium alginate. The Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine, alginate, or hyaluronate materials.
NOTE: This device is not intended for use in vascular applications.
EndFragment
Regulatory Classifications:
StartFragment• US – Class II Medical Device – 510(k) cleared• EU – Class III Medical Device – CE Marked• UK – Class III Medical Device – CE Marked till 30th June 2028• New Zealand Wand – Class III Medical Device•. Canada – Class 4 Medical Device
Indications for Use (US):
StartFragmentStartFragmentAxoguard Nerve Connector is intended for the repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities where gap closure can be achieved by flexion of the extremity.EndFragment
Indications for Use (EU):
Axoguard Nerve Connector is indicated for the repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities with gaps up to 5 mm.
EndFragmentContraindications:
This device is derived from a porcine source and should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine material.
NOTE: This device is not intended for use in vascular applications.
EndFragment
Regulatory Classifications:
• US – Class II Medical Device – 510(k) cleared • New Zealand – Class III Medical Device – WAND Registered
Indications for Use (US):
Axoguard Nerve Cap is indicated to protect a peripheral nerve end and to separate the nerve from surrounding environment to reduce the development of a symptomatic or painful neuroma.
Contraindications:
This device is derived from a porcine source and should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine material. This device is not intended for use in vascular applications. This device is contraindicated for use in any patient for whom soft tissue implants are contraindicated; this includes any pathology that would limit the blood supply and compromise healing or evidence of a current infection. AxoguardNerve Cap should not be implanted directly under the skin.
NOTE: This device is not intended for use in vascular applications.
EndFragment
6 weeks post surgery
time of injury and repair
the lubricant coating helps
in minimizing the potential
for soft-tissue attachments.
lubricant coating, purple