Elastomeric Optoelectronic Interface for Retinal Prostheses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retinal prostheses face limitations in flexibility, biocompatibility, and the need for external power supplies, with prior-art devices often resulting in limited functionality and poor integration with the retina due to rigid substrates and inadequate patterning of semiconducting polymer materials.

Innovation Solution

A polymer-based optoelectronic interface featuring an elastomeric substrate with patterned discrete photovoltaic pixel elements, utilizing semiconducting polymers or polymer mixtures that generate electric signals via photovoltaic processes, and incorporating an electrically conducting base layer, contact layer, and encapsulation to ensure biocompatibility and mechanical protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid substrates are used in retinal prostheses, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and biocompatibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid substrates with flexible thin films, specifically using ITO-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI) substrates. These flexible substrates enable the prosthesis to conform to the curved retinal surface while maintaining structural integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If semiconducting polymer material is applied without patterning, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but functional precision and visual acuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpatterning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the semiconducting polymer layer into discrete patterned elements using photolithography. The polymer is patterned into specific geometries (e.g., interdigitated patterns, linear patterns) that correspond to electrode arrangements, enabling precise control over which retinal regions are stimulated while maintaining a relatively simple spin-coating deposition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If external power supply is required, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity and biocompatibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower supply complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates photovoltaic cells that convert light energy into electrical energy to power the prosthesis internally. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for external power supplies and complex wiring, reducing device complexity and improving biocompatibility while maintaining full device functionality through light-driven power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If high-resolution patterning is implemented, then visual acuity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs patterning of the semiconducting polymer layer during the manufacturing process using photolithography masks and UV exposure. By pre-patterning the polymer before implantation, high-resolution features can be achieved without requiring complex post-implantation adjustments or additional manufacturing steps, thus balancing visual acuity with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a flexible, biocompatible, and high-resolution optoelectronic interface that can be tailored for specific applications, improving visual acuity and reducing the need for external power, with the ability to conform to the retina's curvature and sustain strain without delamination or cracking.

Implementation Method 1

Each pixel element comprises at least one active layer comprising a semiconducting polymer or polymer mixture and is excitable by light to generate an electric signal via a photovoltaic process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic process: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11439822B2Polymer-based optoelectronic interface and methods for its manufacture

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)

AI summary

A polymer-based optoelectronic interface comprises an elastomeric substrate (10) and a plurality of discrete photovoltaic pixel elements (20) disposed on top of the substrate. Each pixel element comprises at least one active layer comprising a semiconducting polymer or polymer mixture. The pixel elements are excitable by light to generate an electric signal via a photovoltaic process. For mechanically protecting the pixel elements, an elastomeric encapsulation layer (30) can be disposed on top of the substrate, the encapsulation layer defining access openings (31) for the pixel elements (20). Pillar-like structures (40) can be disposed on the pixel elements. Methods for fabricating such an optoelectronic interface are also disclosed. The optoelectronic interface can be used as a retinal prosthesis.