Brain Implants and Nanotechnology

The use of nanotechnology has enormous potential for brain implant devices. A breakthrough by biomedical and materials engineers at the University of Michigan has led to the development of a new nanotech coating for existing brain implant devices. The coating helps to greatly extend the operating life of many brain devices and potentially could aid in the treatment of deafness, paralysis, blindness, epilepsy, and even, Parkinson's disease. Many researchers have found in recent years, that paralyzed people can use their thoughts in conjunction with implanted electronics and a computer to control a wheelchair, and the folks at Michigan have found that their nanocoating increases the efficiency, effectiveness, and lifespan of these microelectrodes. This special coating is made from a electrically-conductive nanoscale polymer called PEDOT, a natural gel-like buffer called alginate hydrogel, and biodegradable nanofibers loaded with a controlled release anti-inflammatory drug. The PEDOT enables electrodes to operate with less electrical resistance so they can communicate with neurons better while the nanofibers and the alginate hydrogel work in tandem to make sure the body does not attack the coating because it is a foreign species and thus keeps the coating biocompatible.

The University of Michigan also another exciting development in regards to brain implants and nanotechnology. A team created a thin flexible device that is almost 10 times smaller than other current electrodes. The new electrode developed by the teams of Daryl Kipke, a professor of biomedical engineering, Joerg Lahann, a professor of chemical engineering, and Nicholas Kotov, the Joseph B. and Florence V. Cejka Professor of Engineering, is much more biocompatible than other larger microelectrodes. It is a thread of highly conductive carbon fiber, coated in plastic to block out signals from other neurons. The conductive gel pad at the end cozies up to soft cell membranes, and that close connection means the signals from brain cells come in much clearer.

An depiction of neurons. 

The device works similar to how the brain works because the carbon fiber is able to convert the movement of ions into the movement of electrons which allows for sharper electrical signals that can hone in on single neurons. This development represents a significant step toward the development of brain implant devices on the nanoscale that are in similar size to actual brain cells.