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Scientists have developed a new biodegradable implant that quickly repairs nerves, potentially eliminating many drugs.
A team of scientists from Northwestern University and Washington University has revealed a new device that could have major implications for the repair of damaged nerves.
In an article published in Medicine of natureThe researchers revealed that they had come up with the first example of bioelectric medicine using an implantable and biodegradable wireless device that speeds up nerve regeneration and improves the healing of a damaged nerve.
From the size of a small room, but as thin as paper, the device delivers regular electrical impulses to damaged nerves over a two week period, after which it dissolves safely into the body.
The team envisions that once fully developed, the concept would be able to complement or completely replace pharmaceutical treatments for a variety of common medical conditions.
Currently, in cases requiring surgery, electrical stimulation is used to facilitate recovery, but until now, there was no way to provide continuous stimulation throughout the recovery process.
"These technical systems offer active therapeutic function in a programmable dosing format, and then naturally disappear into the body, leaving no trace," said John A Rogers, Northwest, a pioneer in bio-integrated technologies and co-lead author. of the study. . "This therapeutic approach allows us to think about options that go beyond drugs and chemistry."
Initial device testing in postoperative rats was able to show that it accelerated nerve regrowth in their legs while improving the ultimate recovery of muscle strength and control. Although the device has not been tested in humans, the results of this study are promising as a future therapeutic option for patients with nerve damage.
The wireless device naturally absorbs into the body after a week or two. Image: Northwestern University
How much stimulation do we need?
The technology used to create the biodegradable device had been under development for eight years. Once placed in the body, it surrounds the injured nerve to deliver electrical impulses.
The device is powered and controlled wirelessly by a transmitter located outside of the mode, as a wireless charging mat works with a mobile phone. In rat trials, the team found that the more days of stimulation they received, the faster they recovered.
Dr. Wilson Ray of the team said, "Before we conducted this study, we were not sure that longer stimulation would make a difference and now that we know it, we can start trying to find the ideal time to optimize recovery.
"If we had given electrical stimulation for 12 days instead of six, would there have been more therapeutic benefits? May be. We are looking at this now. "
Other potential uses of the device include a temporary pacemaker and an interface with the spinal cord and other human body stimulation sites.
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