title: A three-dimensional self-opening intraneural peripheral interface (SELINE).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study we present the development and testing in a rat model of the self-opening neural interface (SELINE), a novel flexible peripheral neural interface.
  
  
  METHODS
  This polyimide-based electrode has a three-dimensional structure that provides an anchorage system to the nerve and confers stability after implant. This geometry has been achieved by means of the plastic deformation of polyimide. Mechanical and electrochemical characterizations have been performed to prove the integrity of the electrode with very good results. Functionality of SELINEs for fascicular stimulation has been tested during in vivo acute experiments in the rat. Chronic implants were made to test the biocompatibility of the device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that SELINEs significantly improve mechanical anchorage to the nerve. Stimulation stability is considerably enhanced compared to common planar transversal electrodes and stimulation selectivity is increased for some motor fascicles. Chronic experimental results showed that SELINEs neither produce changes in the fascicular organization of sciatic nerves nor signs of nerve degeneration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented three-dimensional electrode provides an effective anchorage system to the nervous tissue that can improve the stability of the implant for acute and chronic studies.
authors.affiliation: The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, I-56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cutrone
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Del Valle
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Badia
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Filippeschi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Micera
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bossi
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D064926:Neurophysiological Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012117:Resins, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D012117:Resins, Synthetic; C029945:polyimide resin; D006046:Gold