Neural interface can establish communication between biological systems and electronic devices, and is a necessary condition for transforming bioelectronics technology into clinical applications. Neural interface related technologies can be used to restore damaged or lost physiological functions. The main challenge is the mechanical and anatomical adaptability of neural implants to the neural environment. Materials such as elastic materials, mechanically adaptive membranes and fibers have been added to the nerve implants and continuously improved. The communication between the implant and the target and the matching of its elasticity with the surrounding tissues of the nervous system have been achieved. However, the current technology is still inadequate. Support the rapid production of customized implants. Products for different clinical needs are often costly and slow to manufacture, making it difficult for doctors to design the best treatment plan in a targeted manner.
Recently, Ivan R. Minev from Dresden University of Technology in Germany and Pavel Musienko from St. Petersburg State University in Russia published an article entitled “Rapid prototyping of soft bioelectronic implants for use as neuromuscular interfaces” in Nature Biomedical Engineering. , Demonstrated a technology that uses soft composite materials to make bioelectrode arrays, which can quickly form soft electrode implants connected to the neuromuscular system.
Researchers use flexible and biocompatible materials for multi-material printing to fabricate electrode arrays. Materials of different properties are processed by extrusion, inkjet and plasma surface activation, and the iterable design of the number and configuration of electrodes ensures the customizability of the electrode array.The insulating matrix is extruded from silica gel with a shear-thinning effect, which controls the overall geometry, tissue contact position and interconnection path of the electrode array. After the substrate is processed, electrical conduits can be deposited by inkjet printing.
Researchers have developed a printing ink that combines platinum particles (0.2 in diameter)
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