TY - JOUR
T1 - An implantable neural interface with electromagnetic stimulation capabilities
AU - Accoto, D.
AU - Francomano, M. T.
AU - Rainer, A.
AU - Trombetta, M.
AU - Rossini, P. M.
AU - Guglielmelli, E.
PY - 2013/8
Y1 - 2013/8
N2 - Invasive interfaces with the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which currently rely on electric means for both nerves stimulation and signals recording, are needed in a number of applications, including prosthetics and assistive technologies. Recent studies showed that the quality of the signal-to-noise ratio of the afferent channel might be negatively affected by physiological reactions, including fibrosis. In this paper we propose a novel approach to the development of implantable neural interfaces, where the PNS is excited electromagnetically and in situ, while electrical means are used only for neural signals recording. Electromagnetic (EM) waves, capable of overcoming fibrotic capsules, are generated by microfabricated coils. Stimulation coils and registration electrodes are deposited on the same flexible substrate, also provided with a bio-absorbable coating, which releases anti-fibrotic drugs and neurons-specific functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are intended to improve the capability of local EM waves to elicit membranes depolarization, thus enhancing selectivity. This paper details the concept of the proposed technology and provides a preliminary in silico feasibility study.
AB - Invasive interfaces with the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which currently rely on electric means for both nerves stimulation and signals recording, are needed in a number of applications, including prosthetics and assistive technologies. Recent studies showed that the quality of the signal-to-noise ratio of the afferent channel might be negatively affected by physiological reactions, including fibrosis. In this paper we propose a novel approach to the development of implantable neural interfaces, where the PNS is excited electromagnetically and in situ, while electrical means are used only for neural signals recording. Electromagnetic (EM) waves, capable of overcoming fibrotic capsules, are generated by microfabricated coils. Stimulation coils and registration electrodes are deposited on the same flexible substrate, also provided with a bio-absorbable coating, which releases anti-fibrotic drugs and neurons-specific functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are intended to improve the capability of local EM waves to elicit membranes depolarization, thus enhancing selectivity. This paper details the concept of the proposed technology and provides a preliminary in silico feasibility study.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.008
DO - 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.008
M3 - Article
C2 - 23683775
AN - SCOPUS:84880040277
VL - 81
SP - 322
EP - 327
JO - Medical Hypotheses
JF - Medical Hypotheses
SN - 0306-9877
IS - 2
ER -