Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioFINE (BioFunctional IntraNeural Electrodes)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31
Bionics is about making prosthetics which directly couples to the nervous system for instance to equip an artificial robotic hand with nerve controlled of movements and artificial sensory feedback. Intraneural electrode arrays are the components that directly interfaces the nerve from the interfascicular space. The BioFINE project aims to enhance biocompatibility of such intraneural electrodes so that they function better in contact with the patient’s own nervous system and over longer time. We are working with sophisticated micro- and nanofabrication processes combined with chemical engineering of the surfaces of the implant which helps to modulate the foreign body response. The goal is an implant that support high quality interaction with the nerve signals over many years, and with minimal impact on the nerve itself.
Over the first reporting period we have initiated developments towards our three project objectives. We have been able to advance towards further miniaturization of the flexible intraneural arrays, complementing photolithography with direct writing methods. We have developed chemical functionalization protocols for incorporating anti-inflammatory substances on the polyimide surfaces for subsequent controlled release, and furthermore explored new agents targeting reduced foreign body response in vitro, with an ongoing follow up in vivo. We are currently processing the first batch of biofunctionalized miniaturized intraneural arrays. Biofunctionalization is expected to have positive effects on tissue integration but there can also be negative effects on device integrity, something we are analyzing in our ongoing work.
The project is at this point at an early stage wherefore we do not yet report published results beyond state of the art. We have made promising advancements but follow-up with in vivo studies will confirm if we have been able to successfully and sustainably reduce the foreign body response with sustained device integrity and functionality.