Paper Info
Title
STEER: 3D Printed Guide for Nerve Regrowth Control and Neural Interface in Non-Human Primate Model
Abstract
<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Objective:</i> Peripheral neural interface (PNI) with a stable integration of synthetic elements with neural tissue is key for successfulneuro-prosthetic applications. An inevitable phenomenon of reactive fibrosis is a primary hurdle for long term functionality of PNIs. This proof-of-concept study aimed to fabricate and test a novel, stable PNI that harnesses fibro-axonal outgrowth at the nerve end and includes fibrosis in the design. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Methods:</i> Two non-human primates were implanted with Substrate-guided, Tissue-Electrode Encapsulation and Integration (STEER) PNIs. The implant included a 3D printed guide that strove to steer the regrowing nerve towards encapsulation of the electrodes into a fibro-axonal tissue. After four months from implantation, we performed electrophysiological measurements to test STEER's functionality and examined the macro and micro- morphology of the outgrowth tissue. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Results:</i> We observed a highly structured fibro-axonal composite within the STEER PNI. A conduction of intracranially generated action potentials was successfully recorded across the neural interface. Immunohistology demonstrated uniquely configured laminae of myelinated axons encasing the implant. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Conclusion:</i> STEER PNI reconfigured the structure of the fibro-axonal tissue and facilitated long-term functionality and stability of the neural interface. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Significance:</i> The results point to the feasibility of our concept for creating a stable PNI with long-term electrophysiologic functionality by using simple design and materials.
Year
DOI
Venue
2022
10.1109/TBME.2021.3113653
IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
Keywords
DocType
Volume
3D printing,coaptation,nerve guidance,neural interface,neuroprosthesis,VeroClear
Journal
69
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
3
0018-9294
0
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.34
0
11
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Agata Blasiak100.34
Kian Ann Ng25210.35
Marshal Dian Sheng Wong300.34
Chne-Wuen Tsai401.69
Astrid Rusly500.34
Gil Gerald Lasam Gammad600.34
Kai Voges700.34
Camilo Libedinsky810.76
Shih-Cheng Yen92914.27
nitish v thakor1055995.33
Amitabha Lahiri1101.01