Neural Implants
Neural implants are implants that restore sensory or motor functions after injury and modulate neural behavior in neuronal diseases. Neural interfaces or prostheses have lead to new therapeutic options and rehabilitation approaches in the last 40 years. The interface between the nervous tissue and the technical material is the place that determines success or failure of the neural implant. Recording of nerve signals and stimulation of nerve cells take place at this neuro-technical interface. Polymers are the most common material for substrate and insulation materials in combination with metals for interconnection wires and electrode sites. (RDC 11/25/2010)
(Hassler, Boretius and Stieglitz, 2011)
Recent US Patents
12/28/2010
7,858,142
Laminin-modified conduit for nerve regeneration and methods of manufacturing the conduit and regenerating nerves using the conduit
Cheng et al of Taiwan has developed a laminin-modified polymeric hollow conduit is provided for promoting nerve regeneration across the gap between severed ends of a nerve. The conduit is manufactured by a method involving gas plasma treatment. Utilizing the laminin-modified conduit, functional recovery has been achieved in mammals with a severed spinal cord. (RDC 7/7/2011)
9/7/2010
7,790,080
Method for forming a bioartificial guidance conduit
Huang and Wang of National Taiwan University developed an impant as a guidance conduit for nerve repair. They formed PTFE/biodegradable resin composite 10 to 500 micron thick disks with structured holes containing Schwann cells. (RDC 11/29/2010)
Review Articles
11/26/2010
Polymers for neural implants
(pages 18–33)Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics 49, #1 (2011)
Hassler, Boretius and Stieglitz describe neural implants that interface an electronic device with the peripheral or central nervous systems to treat neurological disorders or to restore lost sensory or motor functions. Polymers are the material of choice for insulation, encapsulation and substrate materials for these implants that have to stay stable over decades in the human body. (RDC 11/23/2010