Long micro-channel electrode arrays: a novel type of regenerative peripheral nerve interface.
We have demonstrated that micro-channel electrode arrays with 100 microm x 100 microm cross-section channels support axon regeneration well, and that micro-channels of similar calibre and up to 5 mm long can support axon regeneration and vascularisation. They may be microfabricated using silicon, silicone, or polyimide and thin metal films to form 3-D bundles of long micro-channels. Arrays of "mini-nerves," i.e., miniature nerve fascicles with their own blood vessels, successfully grew through implants 0.5-5 mm long. Furthermore, guiding the regenerating nerve fibres into the small insulating channels allows for a significant increase of the extracellular (recordable) amplitude of action potentials, which promises considerable improvement for in vivo electrophysiology.
Lacour
Stéphanie P
SP
Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB30FF, U.K. spl37@cam.ac.uk
Fitzgerald
James J
JJ
Lago
Natalia
N
Tarte
Edward
E
McMahon
Stephen
S
Fawcett
James
J
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008839:Microelectrodes; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity