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Sun Y, Xiao Z, Chen B, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Material-Assisted Electromagnetic Neural Stimulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400346. [PMID: 38594598 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays a crucial role in organisms, being closely connected to neural activity and physiological processes. Disruptions in the nervous system can lead to chaotic ionic currents at the injured site, causing disturbances in the local cellular microenvironment, impairing biological pathways, and resulting in a loss of neural functions. Electromagnetic stimulation has the ability to generate internal currents, which can be utilized to counter tissue damage and aid in the restoration of movement in paralyzed limbs. By incorporating implanted materials, electromagnetic stimulation can be targeted more accurately, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of such interventions. Currently, there have been significant advancements in the development of numerous promising electromagnetic stimulation strategies with diverse materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental theories, neural stimulation modulating materials, material application strategies, and pre-clinical therapeutic effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation for neural repair. It offers a thorough analysis of current techniques that employ materials to enhance electromagnetic stimulation, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Guo T, Wu S, Zhong J, Cheng C, Sui X. Selective intrafascicular stimulation of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers through a longitudinal electrode: A computational study. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108556. [PMID: 38733726 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber electrodes have demonstrated exceptional spatial selectivity and sustained reliability in the context of intrafascicular electrical stimulation, as evidenced through rigorous animal experimentation. A significant presence of unmyelinated C fibers, known to induce uncomfortable somatosensory experiences, exists within peripheral nerves. This presence poses a considerable challenge to the excitation of myelinated Aβ fibers, which are crucial for tactile sensation. To achieve nuanced tactile sensory feedback utilizing CNT fiber electrodes, the selective stimulation of Aβ sensory afferents emerges as a critical factor. In confronting this challenge, the present investigation sought to refine and apply a rat sciatic-nerve model leveraging the capabilities of the COMSOL-NEURON framework. This approach enables a systematic evaluation of the influence exerted by stimulation parameters and electrode geometry on the activation dynamics of both myelinated Aβ and unmyelinated C fibers. The findings advocate for the utilization of current pulses featuring a pulse width of 600 μs, alongside the deployment of CNT fibers characterized by a diminutive diameter of 10 μm, with an exclusively exposed cross-sectional area, to facilitate reduced activation current thresholds. Comparative analysis under monopolar and bipolar electrical stimulation conditions revealed proximate activation thresholds, albeit with bipolar stimulation exhibiting superior fiber selectivity relative to its monopolar counterpart. Concerning pulse waveform characteristics, the adoption of an anodic-first biphasic stimulation modality is favored, taking into account the dual criteria of activation threshold and fiber selectivity optimization. Consequently, this investigation furnishes an efficacious stimulation paradigm for the selective activation of touch-related nerve fibers, alongside provisioning a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the realization of natural tactile feedback within the domain of prosthetic hand applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yapeng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tianruo Guo
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Shuhui Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Junwen Zhong
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Chengkung Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Engineering Research Center of Digital Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Sui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Shan Y, Cui X, Chen X, Li Z. Recent progress of electroactive interface in neural engineering. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e01827. [PMID: 35715994 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neural tissue is an electrical responsible organ. The electricity plays a vital role in the growth and development of nerve tissue, as well as the repairing after diseases. The interface between the nervous system and external device for information transmission is called neural electroactive interface. With the development of new materials and fabrication technologies, more and more new types of neural interfaces are developed and the interfaces can play crucial roles in treating many debilitating diseases such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Neural interfaces are developing toward flexibility, miniaturization, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. This review presents the development of neural electrodes in terms of different materials for constructing electroactive neural interfaces, especially focus on the piezoelectric materials-based indirect neuromodulation due to their features of wireless control, excellent effect, and good biocompatibility. We discussed the challenges we need to consider before the application of these new interfaces in clinical practice. The perspectives about future directions for developing more practical electroactive interface in neural engineering are also discussed in this review. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhu Shan
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Cui
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center of Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Objective neuromodulation basis for intrafascicular artificial somatosensation through carbon nanotube yarn electrodes. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 369:109481. [PMID: 35032498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrafascicular electrical stimulation has been extensively adopted to achieve sensory feedback for limb amputees. Axon-like carbon nanotube yarn (CNTy) electrodes with both promising flexibility and spatial selectivity index (SSI) can be fascinating alternatives to generate artificial somatosensation. NEW METHOD Here we systematically disclose objective neuromodulation basis for artificial somatosensation through intrafascicular CNTy electrodes. CNTy electrodes with different exposed lengths were utilized for electrically stimulating tibial nerves in twelve rats. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded synchronously using an epidural thirty-channel electrode array. Spatiotemporal characteristics of SEPs were analyzed as current pulse amplitude (PA), pulse width (PW) and pulse frequency (PF) varied. RESULTS The current thresholds at 1Hz exhibit the lowest means when compared with those at 4 and 8Hz for most CNTy electrodes (20/28). For all the electrodes, amplitudes of SEPs and activated areas of perceptive fields increase with PWs and PAs rising, and decrease remarkably with PFs from 1 to 8Hz. Latencies of P1 and N1 of SEP peaks gradually reduced with PWs and PAs advancing. Considering high SSIs, relatively stable current thresholds, wider variation ranges of sensory magnitudes and optimal stability of perceptive fields, the L-200 μm electrodes are preferable for neuromodulation with PFs of 1 - 8Hz, PWs of 100 - 800 μs and PAs of 2 - 64 μA. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS New-type CNTy electrodes possess both promising flexibility and SSI when compared with other neural interfaces. We systematically explore objective neuromodulation basis for artificial somatosensation through CNTy electrodes for the first time. CONCLUSIONS Significantly higher SSIs, lower current and charge thresholds exist for CNTy electrodes in comparison with other peripheral-nerve interfaces. This study can, for the first time, lay a solid neuromodulation foundation for CNTy electrodes to achieve fine sensory feedback.
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Driscoll N, Dong R, Vitale F. Emerging approaches for sensing and modulating neural activity enabled by nanocarbons and carbides. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 72:76-85. [PMID: 34735988 PMCID: PMC8671243 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Devices that can record or modulate neural activity are essential tools in clinical diagnostics and monitoring, basic research, and consumer electronics. Realizing stable functional interfaces between manmade electronics and biological tissues is a longstanding challenge that requires device and material innovations to meet stringent safety and longevity requirements and to improve functionality. Compared to conventional materials, nanocarbons and carbides offer a number of specific advantages for neuroelectronics that can enable advances in functionality and performance. Here, we review the latest emerging trends in neuroelectronic interfaces based on nanocarbons and carbides, with a specific emphasis on technologies developed for use in vivo. We highlight specific applications where the ability to tune fundamental material properties at the nanoscale enables interfaces that can safely and precisely interact with neural circuits at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales, ranging from single synapses to the whole human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Driscoll
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Royce Dong
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Flavia Vitale
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States.
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Alvarez NT, Buschbeck E, Miller S, Le AD, Gupta VK, Ruhunage C, Vilinsky I, Ma Y. Carbon Nanotube Fibers for Neural Recording and Stimulation. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:6478-6487. [PMID: 35021779 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recordings and stimulations of neuronal electrical activity are topics of great interest in neuroscience. Many recording techniques, and even treatment of neurological disorders, can benefit from a microelectrode that is flexible, chemically inert, and electrically conducting and preferentially transfers electrons via capacitive charge injection. Commercial electrodes that currently exist and other electrodes that are being tested with the purpose of facilitating and improving the electron transport between solid materials and biological tissues still have some limitations. This paper discusses carbon nanotube (CNT)-based microelectrodes to record and stimulate neurons and compares their electron transport capabilities to noble metals such as Au and Ag. The recording ability of electrodes is tested through electroretinography on Sarcophaga bullata fly eyes by using Au and Ag wires and CNT fibers as electrodes. Stimulation is demonstrated through the implantation of Au wire and CNT fibers into the antennas of the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) to control their locomotion. Our results demonstrate that a particular property of the CNT fiber is its high rate of electron transfer, leading to an order of magnitude lower impedance compared to Au and Ag and an impressive 15.09 charge injection capacity. We also established that this carbon nanomaterial assembly performs well for in vivo electrophysiology, rendering it a promising prospect for neurophysiological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe T Alvarez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Elke Buschbeck
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Sydney Miller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Anh Duc Le
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Vandna K Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Chethani Ruhunage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Ilya Vilinsky
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Yishan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
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Harris AR. Current perspectives on the safe electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves with platinum electrodes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2217/bem-2020-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This review details some peripheral nervous system (PNS) targets and electrode designs used for electrical stimulation. It investigates limitations in current knowledge of safe electrical stimulation and possible future electrode developments. Current PNS targets are large, leading to poor resolution and off-target side-effects. Most clinical devices are platinum or platinum/iridium embedded in an insulation material. Their safety is usually guided by the Shannon plot, which is not valid for the PNS. New electrode designs are needed to target smaller nerve fibers, enabling higher resolution electrical therapies with fewer off-target side-effects. Damage can occur through biological and electrochemical mechanisms. Greater mechanistic understanding is required to ensure safe and efficacious, long-term electrical stimulation with new electrode materials, geometries and stimulation waveforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Harris
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 340:108745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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