Extracellular matrix-based materials for neural interfacing
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Introduction Advanced neural interfaces that can establish smooth information exchange between the nervous system and devices will significantly benefit individuals with disorders of the nervous system.1,2 Relevant applications for neural interfaces include regulating mood disorders,3 epilepsy,4 motor disorder correction,5 cochlear implants for hearing loss, and deep brain stimulation.6–9 Implants in the peripheral nervous system are used for pain management, muscle contraction, and signal transfer between central nervous system and internal organs. Meanwhile, devices considered for the central nervous system (CNS) must be able to translate brain processes into external electronic or mechanical signals.1,10,11 These functional applications require that the material selected not only passively interfaces with the neural cells and tissues, but also enhances, rather than impedes, the performance of the devices. Current materials used for neural interfaces include biocompatible metals such as tungsten and gold as well as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and various nanoparticles (NPs). Although biocompatible, their foreign composition poses many problems for the host in terms of biodegradability as well as potential inflammation and toxicity after chronic use. To mitigate these
challenges, researchers are investigating extracellular matrix (ECM)-based materials, which are natural neural interface materials that would be perceived as native by the neurons. In the nervous system, there are neurons and non-neuronal cells, known as glial cells. A neuron communicates with other neurons by carrying signals over its axon, a projection which is several orders of magnitude longer than the neuron diameter, and transmitting the signals to the target neuron using terminating synapses. Glial cells support neurons with nutrients, protection, neurotransmission, and maintenance of their environment. The two types of glial cells are macroglia and microglia. Microglia act as macrophages, in that they engulf and digest pathogens to protect the neurons. Astrocytes, characterized by their star-like morphology with multiple projections that envelop neuron synapses, are a dominant type of macroglia that support neurons in the CNS. Schwann cells exist in the peripheral nervous system to form an electrically insulating myelin sheath surrounding axons, as well as to aid in neuron repair and regeneration. ECM, the infrastructure that encapsulates the cells, serves as the scaffold for cell adhesion, a platform for intercellular communication, and a feedback channel for cellular behavior.
Shuodan Chen, Georgia Institute of Technology; [email protected] Mark G. Allen, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; [email protected] DOI: 10.1557/mrs.2012.120
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MRS BULLETIN • VOLUME 37 • JUNE 2012 • www.mrs.org/bulletin
© 2012 Materials Research Society
EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX-BASED MATERIALS FOR NEURAL INTERFACING
The bulk ECM for neurons is mostly comprised of laminin, the primary constituent protein of the bas
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