Summary: Researchers have created a flexible, recyclable electrode that provides a safer and more detailed alternative to neuronal repair. The cathode dissolves normally after seven days, preventing surgical treatment and encouraging tissue regeneration.
The device, which was developed using FDA-approved materials, was able to significantly increase NPC action in experimental models without causing significant inflammation or harm. This development may drastically expand the range of treatments for neurological conditions, which are the main cause of disability worldwide.
Potential advancements aim to improve the ability of the sensors to deliver drugs and gene therapies.
Important Information:
- Revolutionary Design: The recyclable electrode encourages neurological restoration without requiring medical treatment.
- Targeted Activation: Stimulating neurological precursor cells boosts maintenance of destroyed brain tissue.
- Potential Possible: Experts plan to connect drug and protein therapies into the system.
Origin: University of Toronto
Researchers at the University of Toronto created a flexible, biodegradable electrode that can stimulate brain neural precursor cells ( NPCs ) for up to seven days before dissolving naturally.
The research team’s method uses the body’s innate maintenance systems, which could lead to a significant improvement in the treatment of neurological disorders, which are a major cause of disability globe.
While neurological conditions frequently lead to catastrophic cell loss, stimulating NPCs, unique cells capable of repairing neurological tissue, have shown promise in terms of expanding the field of treatment options.
However, recent techniques like transcranial strong current stimulation are inaccurate and can harm tissue.  , The anode developed by U of T experts, on the other hand, provides exact, safe and momentary excitement without requiring following clinical interventions.  ,  ,
Tianhao Chen, a PhD student in biomedical executive who is the study’s lead author, says “our results demonstrate that this cathode can stimulate neural fix in a controlled, temporary way, which is essential for avoiding problems associated with permanent implant.”  ,  ,
The study,  , published in a new issue of , Biomaterials,  , was led by , Hani Naguib, a teacher in the departments of materials science and engineering and mechanical and industrial executive in the Faculty of Applied Science &, Engineering,  , and , Cindi Morshead, a professor of surgery in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine who is cross-appointed to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
” Neural precursor cells hold significant potential for repairing damaged brain tissue, but existing methods for activating these cells can be invasive or imprecise” , , Morshead , says.  ,  ,
Our recyclable cathode offers a solution by combining safe stimulation with low individual risk.
The team concentrated on materials that offered both biocompatibility and controllable degradation rates in order to design the recyclable neural sensor.  ,
Poly ( lactic-co-glycolic ) acid ( PLGA ), a flexible material approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, was chosen for the substrate and insulation layer due to its predictable degradation based on monomer ratios and minimal inflammatory effects.  ,  ,
Due to its sturdiness and delayed dissolution, which are prerequisites for maintaining structural integrity during the planned one-week stimulation time, molybdenum was chosen for the electrode itself.  ,  ,
The electrodes were placed in pre-clinical models and demonstrated their ability to effectively stimulate NPCs, boosting their activity and number without causing significant tissue damage or inflammation.
Within the intended time frame, this testing confirmed the electrodes ‘ safety and efficacy for neural repair stimulation.  ,  ,
” Our goal is to further develop this technology by developing multimodal, biodegradable electrodes that can deliver drugs and gene therapies to the injured brain,” Morshead says.  ,  ,
We have exciting new data that indicates that activating brain stem cells with our electrical stimulation devices improves functional outcomes in a preclinical stroke model.
About this news about neurology and neurotechnology research
Author: Qin Dai
Source: University of Toronto
Contact: Qin Dai – University of Toronto
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
” Biodegradable stimulating electrodes for resident neural stem cell activation , in vivo” by Tianhao Chen et al. Biomaterials
Abstract
Biodegradable stimulating electrodes for resident neural stem cell activation , in vivo
Brain stimulation has been shown to be effective in treating neurological disorders clinically.
Endogenous brain neural precursor cells ( NPCs ) have been shown to be electrosensitive cells that respond to electrical stimulation by growing in number, moving through directed cathodal migration, and dispersing into different neural phenotypes in vivo, supporting the use of electrical stimulation to promote neural repair.
We present the creation of a flexible and biodegradable brain stimulation electrode for NPC temporally controlled neuromodulation in this study.
We created electrodes with high charge injection capacity to deliver biphasic monopolar stimulation using the volumetric charge transfer properties of conductive polymer and the cathodally skewed electrochemical window of molybdenum.
We demonstrate that the electrodes are biocompatible and capable of producing an electric field sufficient for NPC activation for 7 days post-implantation before going through physiological resorption, thereby avoiding the need for surgical removal.
The biodegradable electrode’s potential for NPC-based neural repair strategies was demonstrated.
