Graphene is the Word in Bionic Technology: EGNITE
Neuroprosthetic technologies have made significant advancements in recent years to enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing loss of motor and sensory functions. Developing devices that can record and stimulate nerve signals by directly connecting to the nervous system is at the heart of these advancements.
Graphene and carbon nanomaterials play a crucial role in this process, with innovative materials like EGNITE (Engineered Graphene for Neural Interface) offering potential alternatives to metal-based electrodes in neurological interfaces. EGNITE’s flexibility, high biocompatibility, and electrical performance provide a substantial advantage for the long-term use of neuroprosthetics. Discover Nanografi's graphene breakthroughs and take the next step in innovation!
Introduction
Neuroprosthetics can be defined as devices that record and stimulate the electrical activities of nerves by directly connecting to the nervous system. These devices help restore sensory and motor functions, especially in individuals who have undergone amputation or have nerve damage, by connecting to the brain or peripheral nervous system. However, traditional metal microelectrodes can cause various issues during long-term use due to their rigid structures and biocompatibility challenges. At this point, the advantages offered by graphene-based materials, especially EGNITE, stand out. EGNITE provides a more flexible, durable, and biocompatible solution in neurological interfaces, allowing for a more precise connection with the nervous system.
Biocompatibility and Flexibility of EGNITE
EGNITE is an engineered material derived from reduced graphene oxide that offers advanced biocompatibility and flexibility for nerve electrodes. Its structure, placed on polyimide (PI), allows the production of flexible microelectrode arrays. This structure’s compatibility with nerve tissue enables it to function without damaging nerve fibers during long-term implantations. In vitro studies have shown that cortical and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells grow healthily and exhibit high survival rates on EGNITE-coated surfaces, proving EGNITE’s biocompatibility.
In vivo experiments have revealed EGNITE’s performance in more advanced stages. EGNITE electrodes implanted in the sciatic nerves of rats did not show any foreign body reactions over time and did not cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This is a significant feature that makes EGNITE suitable for long-term nerve implants. Additionally, the flexible structure of EGNITE aligns with the natural movements of nerve tissues, minimizing potential tissue damage due to mechanical incompatibility.
Contributions of Carbon Nanomaterials
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are another important material that stands out in neuroprosthetic applications alongside graphene-derived materials like EGNITE. Thanks to their high electrical conductivity and flexibility, CNTs allow for the precise recording of nerve activities and effective stimulation of nerve fibers. Unlike traditional metal-based electrodes, CNT-based electrodes offer longer-lasting and more stable nerve recordings, which is a great advantage for chronic applications.
The flexible and lightweight structures of carbon nanotubes improve biomechanical compatibility in neurological interfaces, making them suitable for long-term nerve stimulation. Additionally, the ability of CNTs to be produced at micrometer scales allows for smaller, more precise, and higher-resolution microelectrode arrays. This is particularly advantageous in neurological applications that require high spatial resolution. The combined use of CNTs and EGNITE enhances the performance of neuroprosthetics, providing more effective interaction with the nervous system.
Combined Use of Polymers and Carbon Nanomaterials
Polymers offer flexible and biocompatible substrates in neurological interfaces, creating an ideal material combination when used with carbon nanomaterials. When polyimide (PI) is combined with materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes, it enables the production of flexible microelectrode arrays that come into direct contact with nerve tissues. The thermal stability and flexibility of PI ensure mechanical durability in long-term nerve implants. The integration of EGNITE on PI-based electrodes provides high performance in recording and stimulating nerve signals while enhancing compatibility with nerve tissues.
This compatibility allows neurological interfaces to integrate better with the body. Polymer-based materials help implants function healthily for a longer time by minimizing foreign body reactions. Thus, a structure is created that provides both biocompatibility and electrical conductivity.
Functionality of EGNITE in Neuroprosthetics
One of the prominent features of EGNITE in nerve interfaces is its ability to stimulate nerve fibers with a low current requirement. Compared to traditional metal electrodes, stimulations with EGNITE require less energy. This is especially beneficial for preserving nerve tissues during long-term implantations, ensuring the health of nerve fibers. With EGNITE’s high charge injection capacity (2–5 mC cm−2), stronger and clearer signals can be obtained during nerve stimulations.
The porous structure of graphene allows EGNITE electrodes to be produced at micro scales, enabling the acquisition of higher-resolution nerve recordings and contributing to detailed mapping of the nervous system. Additionally, these structures provide more direct and precise interaction with the nervous system, enhancing the effectiveness of neurological interfaces. EGNITE’s features allow for the development of smaller and more efficient neuroprosthetics in the future.
Future of EGNITE and Carbon Nanomaterials
Graphene derivatives and carbon nanotubes make treatment processes more effective by providing a more sensitive connection to the nervous system in neuroprosthetic technologies. The development of EGNITE offers a more compatible connection with the nervous system by providing higher biocompatibility and flexibility compared to metal-based electrodes. These innovative materials developed for nerve interfaces aim to increase the quality of life for individuals with nerve injuries and enable solutions aimed at restoring neurological functions.
These materials allow for the development of smaller, flexible, and durable neuroprosthetics that can integrate with the nervous system. EGNITE and CNT-based electrodes provide more direct and long-term interaction with nerve cells, enhancing the impact of neuroprosthetics. EGNITE’s low energy consumption and long-term stability will enable nerve interfaces to reach a broader patient population in the future, leading to groundbreaking innovations in the field of neurology.
Conclusion
Graphene derivatives and carbon nanomaterials have ushered in a new era in neuroprosthetic technologies, enhancing the functionality and durability of nerve interfaces. Innovative materials like EGNITE and CNT overcome the limitations of traditional metal electrodes, offering more effective, safe, and long-lasting solutions. This technology contributes to the development of neuroprosthetics capable of interacting sensitively with the nervous system, shaping the future of neurological treatments.
Visit Blografi to learn more about the exciting applications of graphene!
References
Analyzed: Carbon Nanotubes - Nanografi Nano Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://nanografi.com/blog/analyzed-carbon-nanotubes/
Beyond the Potential: Polymer Materials in Nanotechnology - Nanografi Nano Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://nanografi.com/blog/beyond-the-potential-polymer-materials-in-nanotechnology/
Reasons Why Graphene Oxide Is Leading the Graphene Industry, Its Properties, Applications, and Potentials - Nanografi Nano Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://nanografi.com/blog/reasons-why-graphene-oxide-is-leading-the-graphene-industry-its-properties-applications-and-potentials/
Rodríguez-Meana, B., del Valle, J., Viana, D., Walston, S. T., Ria, N., Masvidal-Codina, E., Garrido, J. A., & Navarro, X. (2024). Engineered Graphene Material Improves the Performance of Intraneural Peripheral Nerve Electrodes. Advanced Science, 11(29). https://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202308689
What is Graphene: The Ultimate Guide - Nanografi Nano Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://nanografi.com/blog/what-is-graphene-the-ultimate-guide/
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