Frontiers in Biomaterials Science (Oct 2023)

In vivo validation of a mechanically adaptive microfluidic intracortical device as a platform for sustained local drug delivery

  • Youjoung Kim,
  • Youjoung Kim,
  • Lindsey N. Druschel,
  • Lindsey N. Druschel,
  • Natalie Mueller,
  • Natalie Mueller,
  • Danielle Sarno,
  • Danielle Sarno,
  • Kaela Gisser,
  • Kaela Gisser,
  • Allison Hess-Dunning,
  • Allison Hess-Dunning,
  • Jeffrey R. Capadona,
  • Jeffrey R. Capadona

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbiom.2023.1279367
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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Introduction: Intracortical microelectrodes (IME) are vital to properly functioning brain-computer interfacing (BCI). However, the recording electrodes have shown a steady decline in performance after implantation, mainly due to chronic inflammation. Compliant materials have been explored to decrease differential strain resulting in lower neural inflammation. We have previously developed a fabrication method for creating mechanically adaptive microfluidic probes made of a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) polymer nanocomposite material that can become compliant after implantation. Here, we hypothesized that our device, would have a similar tissue response to the industry standard, allowing drug delivery therapeutics to improve neural inflammation in the future.Methods: RNA expression analysis was performed to determine the extent of neural inflammation and oxidative stress in response to the device compared to controls and to naïve shame tissue.Results: Results presented for both four- and eight-weeks post-implantations suggest that our device offers a promising platform technology that can be used to deliver therapeutic strategies to improve IME performance.

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