Transient Neural Electrodes With Controlled Biodegradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neuromodulation technologies face challenges with the need for ease-of-removal versus the requirement for a robust nerve-interface, as permanent electrodes form fibrous capsules, making removal difficult and risking nerve injury or leaving metal fragments.
Innovation Solution
Development of transient electrodes comprising an electrically non-conductive core substrate, a continuous conductive metal layer, and optional interlayer and barrier layers that biodegrade in vivo, ensuring the electrode becomes non-functional after a period, eliminating the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent electrodes are used to provide robust nerve interface, then neuromodulation effectiveness is improved, but removal difficulty increases and nerve injury risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable electrode materials that naturally decompose after a predetermined functional period, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The electrode comprises biodegradable conductive materials such as magnesium, zinc, or iron alloys that gradually dissolve in the physiological environment, providing temporary but effective neuromodulation while avoiding long-term implantation complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes in the electrode materials, specifically controlling the degradation rate through material composition adjustments. By varying the alloy composition, thickness, and surface treatment of biodegradable materials, the electrode maintains optimal electrical conductivity during the functional period while ensuring complete degradation after the intended duration, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and removal ease.
2Reliability
If permanent electrodes are used to ensure stable neural recording, then recording reliability is improved, but fibrous capsule formation worsens and complicates future interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable electrode materials that naturally decompose after a predetermined functional period, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The electrode comprises biodegradable conductive materials such as magnesium, zinc, or iron alloys that gradually dissolve in the physiological environment, providing temporary but effective neuromodulation while avoiding long-term implantation complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes in the electrode materials, specifically controlling the degradation rate through material composition adjustments. By varying the alloy composition, thickness, and surface treatment of biodegradable materials, the electrode maintains optimal electrical conductivity during the functional period while ensuring complete degradation after the intended duration, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and removal ease.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent electrodes are implanted to provide long-term neuromodulation, then duration of action is improved, but removal surgery complexity and infection risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable electrode materials that naturally decompose after a predetermined functional period, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The electrode comprises biodegradable conductive materials such as magnesium, zinc, or iron alloys that gradually dissolve in the physiological environment, providing temporary but effective neuromodulation while avoiding long-term implantation complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes in the electrode materials, specifically controlling the degradation rate through material composition adjustments. By varying the alloy composition, thickness, and surface treatment of biodegradable materials, the electrode maintains optimal electrical conductivity during the functional period while ensuring complete degradation after the intended duration, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and removal ease.
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 transient electrodes provide effective neuromodulation and recording without the risks of permanent implants, reducing patient discomfort and infection risks, and ensuring safe degradation within the body.
Implementation Method 1
the entire electrode biodegrades and is rendered non-functional after a period of time in vivo
Implementation Method 2
The core substrate may be made of hydrolyzable polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglactin, poliglecaprone, polydioxanone, and copolymers
Implementation Method 3
a continuous, electrically-conductive metal layer that envelops at least a portion of the core substrate
Implementation Method 4
an optional interlayer that is disposed between the core substrate and the metal layer to promote adhesion between the core substrate and the metal layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for neuromodulation and neural recording and, in particular, to transient electrodes and associated systems and methods for neuromodulation and neural recording.