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Yes kiddies: organic electronics that can deliver neurotransmitters to living neurons. Welcome to the brave new world of brain-machine interfaces.
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Nature Materials
Published online: 5 July 2009 | doi:10.1038/nmat2494
Organic electronics for precise delivery of neurotransmitters to modulate mammalian sensory function
Daniel T. Simon1,2, Sindhulakshmi Kurup2,3, Karin C. Larsson2,3, Ryusuke Hori4,5, Klas Tybrandt1,2, Michel Goiny4, Edwin W. H. Jager1,2, Magnus Berggren1,2, Barbara Canlon4 & Agneta Richter-Dahlfors2,3
Significant advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology, molecular targets and therapies for the treatment of a variety of nervous-system disorders. Particular therapies involve electrical sensing and stimulation of neural activity1, 2, 3, 4, and significant effort has therefore been devoted to the refinement of neural electrodes5, 6, 7, 8. However, direct electrical interfacing suffers from some inherent problems, such as the inability to discriminate amongst cell types. Thus, there is a need for novel devices to specifically interface nerve cells. Here, we demonstrate an organic electronic device capable of precisely delivering neurotransmitters in vitro and in vivo. In converting electronic addressing into delivery of neurotransmitters, the device mimics the nerve synapse. Using the peripheral auditory system, we show that out of a diverse population of cells, the device can selectively stimulate nerve cells responding to a specific neurotransmitter. This is achieved by precise electronic control of electrophoretic migration through a polymer film. This mechanism provides several sought-after features for regulation of cell signalling: exact dosage determination through electrochemical relationships, minimally disruptive delivery due to lack of fluid flow, and on–off switching. This technology has great potential as a therapeutic platform and could help accelerate the development of therapeutic strategies for nervous-system disorders.
Published online: 5 July 2009 | doi:10.1038/nmat2494
Organic electronics for precise delivery of neurotransmitters to modulate mammalian sensory function
Daniel T. Simon1,2, Sindhulakshmi Kurup2,3, Karin C. Larsson2,3, Ryusuke Hori4,5, Klas Tybrandt1,2, Michel Goiny4, Edwin W. H. Jager1,2, Magnus Berggren1,2, Barbara Canlon4 & Agneta Richter-Dahlfors2,3
Significant advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology, molecular targets and therapies for the treatment of a variety of nervous-system disorders. Particular therapies involve electrical sensing and stimulation of neural activity1, 2, 3, 4, and significant effort has therefore been devoted to the refinement of neural electrodes5, 6, 7, 8. However, direct electrical interfacing suffers from some inherent problems, such as the inability to discriminate amongst cell types. Thus, there is a need for novel devices to specifically interface nerve cells. Here, we demonstrate an organic electronic device capable of precisely delivering neurotransmitters in vitro and in vivo. In converting electronic addressing into delivery of neurotransmitters, the device mimics the nerve synapse. Using the peripheral auditory system, we show that out of a diverse population of cells, the device can selectively stimulate nerve cells responding to a specific neurotransmitter. This is achieved by precise electronic control of electrophoretic migration through a polymer film. This mechanism provides several sought-after features for regulation of cell signalling: exact dosage determination through electrochemical relationships, minimally disruptive delivery due to lack of fluid flow, and on–off switching. This technology has great potential as a therapeutic platform and could help accelerate the development of therapeutic strategies for nervous-system disorders.
The First Artificial Nerve Cell That Uses Real Neurotransmitters
Organic electronics interfacing seamlessly with our nerves could pave the way for prosthetic brains
While Dean Kamen spends his time creating bionic replacement arms, a team of Swedish scientists have begun developing a robotic prosthesis for a far more complex organ: the brain.
Writing in this week's Nature Materials, the team announced that they had created the first device that communicates with nerves in their own language of neurotransmitter chemicals, rather than electrical impulses.
Previous neuroprothesis worked through electric signals that triggered already existing nerves to release neurotransmitters like dopamine. However, the electric signals didn't discriminate between different types of nerve cells, which greatly reduced the fidelity and usefulness of the devices.
This new device utilizes the same neurotransmitters that natural nerves use. That allows the robotic nerve to target specific neural pathways, without the random side effects of electronic neural stimulation.
The technology is still in its infancy, but contains the potential for a radical shift in brain/electronics interfaces.
In the short term, this technology could help people who suffer from diseases like schizophrenia, by releasing the neurotransmitters needed to regulate the out-of-control nerve firings associated with those diseases.
In the long term, as the the technology becomes smaller, cheaper, and able to receive neurotransmitter signals as well as send them, these artificial nerves could be used to create bionic brain prostheses for stroke victims, or even serve as the intermediate between our biological brains and electronic computers.
Organic electronics interfacing seamlessly with our nerves could pave the way for prosthetic brains
While Dean Kamen spends his time creating bionic replacement arms, a team of Swedish scientists have begun developing a robotic prosthesis for a far more complex organ: the brain.
Writing in this week's Nature Materials, the team announced that they had created the first device that communicates with nerves in their own language of neurotransmitter chemicals, rather than electrical impulses.
Previous neuroprothesis worked through electric signals that triggered already existing nerves to release neurotransmitters like dopamine. However, the electric signals didn't discriminate between different types of nerve cells, which greatly reduced the fidelity and usefulness of the devices.
This new device utilizes the same neurotransmitters that natural nerves use. That allows the robotic nerve to target specific neural pathways, without the random side effects of electronic neural stimulation.
The technology is still in its infancy, but contains the potential for a radical shift in brain/electronics interfaces.
In the short term, this technology could help people who suffer from diseases like schizophrenia, by releasing the neurotransmitters needed to regulate the out-of-control nerve firings associated with those diseases.
In the long term, as the the technology becomes smaller, cheaper, and able to receive neurotransmitter signals as well as send them, these artificial nerves could be used to create bionic brain prostheses for stroke victims, or even serve as the intermediate between our biological brains and electronic computers.