Bioelectronic Implants for Nerve Regeneration: Materials, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Nerve regeneration remains a major clinical challenge, particularly within the central nervous system, where repair capacity is limited. Bioelectronic implants offer a promising therapeutic approach by integrating electrical stimulation with biocompatible materials to enhance axonal growth, glial support, and neurotrophic signaling. This paper reviews the mechanisms underlying nerve repair—including axonal regeneration, glial cell function, extracellular matrix remodeling, and neural stem cell applications—and explores how bioelectronic devices modulate these processes. Recent advances such as flexible electrodes, wireless and self-powered systems, and optogenetic interfaces have expanded the capabilities of neural modulation with improved precision and biocompatibility. Clinical applications in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury are discussed, alongside challenges such as long-term biocompatibility, ethical considerations, and translational barriers. Future directions emphasize interdisciplinary integration and the development of intelligent, adaptive neural interfaces