scholarly journals Microstructured thin-film electrode technology enables proof of concept of scalable, soft auditory brainstem implants

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (514) ◽  
pp. eaax9487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Vachicouras ◽  
Osama Tarabichi ◽  
Vivek V. Kanumuri ◽  
Christina M. Tringides ◽  
Jennifer Macron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Complex Anatomy ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Implants

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) provide sound awareness to deaf individuals who are not candidates for the cochlear implant. The ABI electrode array rests on the surface of the cochlear nucleus (CN) in the brainstem and delivers multichannel electrical stimulation. The complex anatomy and physiology of the CN, together with poor spatial selectivity of electrical stimulation and inherent stiffness of contemporary multichannel arrays, leads to only modest auditory outcomes among ABI users. Here, we hypothesized that a soft ABI could enhance biomechanical compatibility with the curved CN surface. We developed implantable ABIs that are compatible with surgical handling, conform to the curvature of the CN after placement, and deliver efficient electrical stimulation. The soft ABI array design relies on precise microstructuring of plastic-metal-plastic multilayers to enable mechanical compliance, patterning, and electrical function. We fabricated soft ABIs to the scale of mouse and human CN and validated them in vitro. Experiments in mice demonstrated that these implants reliably evoked auditory neural activity over 1 month in vivo. Evaluation in human cadaveric models confirmed compatibility after insertion using an endoscopic-assisted craniotomy surgery, ease of array positioning, and robustness and reliability of the soft electrodes. This neurotechnology offers an opportunity to treat deafness in patients who are not candidates for the cochlear implant, and the design and manufacturing principles are broadly applicable to implantable soft bioelectronics throughout the central and peripheral nervous system.

The Amygdaloid Complex: Anatomy and Physiology

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 803-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. SAH ◽  
E. S. L. FABER ◽  
M. LOPEZ DE ARMENTIA ◽  
J. POWER
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Amygdaloid Complex ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Efferent Connections ◽  
Complex Anatomy ◽  
Subcortical Regions

Sah, P., E. S. L. Faber, M. Lopez de Armentia, and J. Power. The Amygdaloid Complex: Anatomy and Physiology. Physiol Rev 83: 803–834, 2003; 10.1152/physrev.00002.2003.—A converging body of literature over the last 50 years has implicated the amygdala in assigning emotional significance or value to sensory information. In particular, the amygdala has been shown to be an essential component of the circuitry underlying fear-related responses. Disorders in the processing of fear-related information are likely to be the underlying cause of some anxiety disorders in humans such as posttraumatic stress. The amygdaloid complex is a group of more than 10 nuclei that are located in the midtemporal lobe. These nuclei can be distinguished both on cytoarchitectonic and connectional grounds. Anatomical tract tracing studies have shown that these nuclei have extensive intranuclear and internuclear connections. The afferent and efferent connections of the amygdala have also been mapped in detail, showing that the amygdaloid complex has extensive connections with cortical and subcortical regions. Analysis of fear conditioning in rats has suggested that long-term synaptic plasticity of inputs to the amygdala underlies the acquisition and perhaps storage of the fear memory. In agreement with this proposal, synaptic plasticity has been demonstrated at synapses in the amygdala in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this review, we examine the anatomical and physiological substrates proposed to underlie amygdala function.

RF Coupling of Interdigitated Electrode Array on Aerogels for in vivo Nerve Guidance Applications

MRS Advances ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (21) ◽  
pp. 1237-1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Hadley ◽  
Jack Hirschman ◽  
Bashir I. Morshed ◽  
Firouzeh Sabri
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Nerve Repair ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Silica Aerogels ◽  
Interdigitated Electrode ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Regeneration Rate ◽  
Interdigitated Electrode Array

AbstractAerogels are light-weight porous materials that can tolerate the processing steps required for designing and creating an electric circuit such that the aerogel can be utilized as a substrate for device fabrication. Previous studies have shown the biostability and biocompatibility of polyurea crosslinked silica aerogels both in vivo and in vitro and have demonstrated the potential use of aerogels in biomedical applications. In vitro studies have shown that in the presence of an applied electric field neurites regeneration rate was greater on crosslinked silica aerogels than on tissue culture petridish used as a positive control. Currently, epineural suturing and nerve grafting are the gold standards for surgical reconstruction of injured nerves. However, because they rely on passive mechanisms for reapproximating the distal and proximal terminals they often lead to partial or no recovery leaving room for improvement. The present study investigates the feasibility of a wireless aerogel–based electrically-stimulating implant intended for nerve repair applications. Here the authors report on RF coupling between a secondary coil and a primary coil to wirelessly energize an interdigitated electrode array consisting of eleven interlocking fingers, created on a silica aerogel substrate. The coupling strength was tested both in air and in an animal model, as a function of distance and will be reported. This study focuses on in vivo evaluation and feasibility assessment of a novel active 3-D aerogel-based peripheral nerve repair device. The device utilizes induced EMF to establish a current (hence electrical stimulation) in predetermined pathways where nerve stumps will be confined to. Fundamental differences between in vitro and in vivo models necessitate the in vivo approach. The novel inductively-powered electrical stimulation aerogel-based device utilizes previously established 3-D confinement method for immobilization of nerve stumps, taking advantage of the mesoscopic surface roughness, unique to aerogels. The technique is tested on a mechanically strong, lightweight, porous, and biostable aerogel. Lithographic techniques, gold (Au) thin film metallization, and Faraday induction is used for circuit design, development, and activation.

scholarly journals Highly Flexible Silicone Coated Neural Array for Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Bhatti ◽  
J. Van Beek-King ◽  
A. Sharpe ◽  
J. Crawford ◽  
S. Tridandapani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Current Threshold ◽  
Window Approach ◽  
Film Polymer ◽  
Adhesive Coating

We present an effective method for tailoring the flexibility of a commercial thin-film polymer electrode array for intracochlear electrical stimulation. Using a pneumatically driven dispensing system, an average232±64 μm (mean ± SD) thickness layer of silicone adhesive coating was applied to stiffen the underside of polyimide multisite arrays. Additional silicone was applied to the tip to protect neural tissue during insertion and along the array to improve surgical handling. Each array supported 20 platinum sites (180 μm dia., 250 μm pitch), spanning nearly 28 mm in length and 400 μm in width. We report an average intracochlear stimulating current threshold of170±93 μA to evoke an auditory brainstem response in 7 acutely deafened felines. A total of 10 arrays were each inserted through a round window approach into the cochlea’s basal turn of eight felines with one delamination occurring upon insertion (preliminary results of thein vivodata presented at the 48th Annual Meeting American Neurotology Society, Orlando, FL, April 2013, and reported in Van Beek-King 2014). Using microcomputed tomography imaging (50 μm resolution), distances ranging from 100 to 565 μm from the cochlea’s central modiolus were measured. Our method combines the utility of readily available commercial devices with a straightforward postprocessing step on the order of 24 hours.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of Arzanol from Helichrysum italicum

Planta Medica ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Bauer ◽  
F Dehm ◽  
A Koeberle ◽  
F Pollastro ◽  
G Appendino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Fenofibrate Solid Dispersion for Improving Oral Bioavailability: Preparation, and Characterization and in vivo Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 5102-5109
Author(s):  
Venu Madhav K ◽  
Somnath De ◽  
Chandra Shekar Bonagiri ◽  
Sridhar Babu Gummadi
Keyword(s):  
Oral Bioavailability ◽  
Oral Delivery ◽  
Solid Dispersions ◽  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Aqueous Solubility ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation

Fenofibrate (FN) is used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. It shows poor dissolution and poor oral bioavailability after oral administration due to high liphophilicity and low aqueous solubility. Hence, solid dispersions (SDs) of FN (FN-SDs) were develop that might enhance the dissolution and subsequently oral bioavailability. FN-SDs were prepared by solvent casting method using different carriers (PEG 4000, PEG 6000, β cyclodextrin and HP β cyclodextrin) in different proportions (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/v). FN-SDs were evaluated solubility, assay and in vitro release studies for the optimization of SD formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed for crystalline and morphology analysis, respectively. Further, optimized FN-SD formulation evaluated for pharmacokinetic performance in Wistar rats, in vivo in comparison with FN suspension.  From the results, FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 have showed 102.9 ±1.3% and 105.5±3.1% drug release, respectively in 2 h. DSC and PXRD studies revealed that conversion of crystalline to amorphous nature of FN from FT-SD formulation. SEM studies revealed the change in the orientation of FN when incorporated in SDs. The oral bioavailability FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 formulations exhibited 2.5-folds and 3.1-folds improvement when compared to FN suspension as control. Overall, SD of FN could be considered as an alternative dosage form for the enhancement of oral delivery of poorly water-soluble FN.

Design and In vivo Evaluation of Palonosetron HCl Mouth Dissolving Films in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Vomiting

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 3929-3936
Author(s):  
Y. Srinivasa Rao ◽  
K. Adinarayana Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
Patient Compliance ◽  
Onset Of Action ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Disintegration Time ◽  
In Vitro Drug Release ◽  
Surface Ph ◽  
Drug Content

Fast dissolving oral delivery systems are solid dosage forms, which disintegrate or dissolve within 1 minute in the mouth without drinking water or chewing. Mouth dissolving film (MDF) is a better alternate to oral disintegrating tablets due to its novelty, ease of use and the consequent patient compliance. The purpose of this work was to develop mouth dissolving oral films of palonosetron HCl, an antiemetic drug especially used in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In the present work, the films were prepared by using solvent casting method with various polymers HPMC E3, E5 & E15 as a film base synthetic polymer, propylene glycol as a plasticizer and maltodextrin and other polymers. Films were found to be satisfactory when evaluated for thickness, in vitro drug release, folding endurance, drug content and disintegration time. The surface pH of all the films was found to be neutral. The in vitro drug release of optimized formulation F29 was found to be 99.55 ± 6.3 7% in 7 min. The optimized formulation F29 also showed satisfactory surface pH, drug content (99.38 ± 0.08 %), disintegration time of 8 seconds and good stability. FTIR data revealed that no interaction takes place between the drug and polymers used in the optimized formulation. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the films confirmed their potential as an innovative dosage form to improve delivery and quick onset of action of Palonosetron Hydrochloride. Therefore, the mouth dissolving film of palonosetron is potentially useful for the treatment of emesis disease where quick onset of action is desired, also improved patient compliance.

Formulation and In Vivo Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Micro-spheres of Rebamipide, a Mucoprotective Drug for GIT Disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 4089-4097
Author(s):  
Bhikshapathi D. V. R. N. ◽  
Kanteepan P
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
Entrapment Efficiency ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Amino Acid Derivative ◽  
Release Mechanism ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
In Vitro Drug Release ◽  
Percentage Yield

Rebamipide, an amino acid derivative of 2-(1H)-quinolinone, is used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis. The current research study aimed to develop novel gastro-retentive mucoadhesive microspheres of rebamipide using ionotropic gelation technique. Studies of micromeritic properties confirmed that microspheres were free flowing with good packability. The in vitro drug release showed the sustained release of rebamipide up to 99.23 ± 0.13% within 12 h whereas marketed product displayed the drug release of 95.15 ± 0.23% within 1 h. The release mechanism from microspheres followed the zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas (R2 = 0.915, 0.969), respectively. The optimized M12 formulation displayed optimum features, such as entrapment efficiency 97%, particle size 61.94 ± 0.11 µm, percentage yield 98%, swelling index 95% and mucoadhesiveness was 97%. FTIR studies revealed no major incompatibility between drug and excipients. SEM confirmed the particles were of spherical in shape. Optimized formulation (M12) were stable at 40°C ± 2°C/75% RH ± 5% RH for 6 months. In vivo studies were performed and kinetic parameters like Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, t1/2, and Kel  were calculated. The marketed product Cmax (3.15 ± 0.05 ng/mL) was higher than optimized formulation (2.58 ± 0.03 ng/mL). The optimized formulation AUC0-t (15.25 ± 1.14 ng.hr/mL), AUC0-∞ (19.42 ± 1.24 ng.hr/mL) was significantly higher than that of marketed product AUC0-t (10.21 ± 1.26 ng.hr/mL) and AUC0-∞ (13.15 ± 0.05 ng.hr/mL). These results indicate an optimized formulation bioavailability of 2.5-fold greater than marketed product.  

In vivo Evaluation and Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Outcome of siRNA Loaded Dual Targeting Drug Delivery System

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Zhichun Gu ◽  
Long Shen ◽  
Xianyan Liu ◽  
Houwen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Sirna Delivery ◽  
Repeated Administration ◽  
Spatial Learning And Memory ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation

Background: To deliver drugs to treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), nanoparticles should firstly penetrate through blood brain barrier, and then target neurons. Methods: Recently, we developed an Apo A-I and NL4 dual modified nanoparticle (ANNP) to deliver beta-amyloid converting enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA. Although promising in vitro results were obtained, the in vivo performance was not clear. Therefore, in this study, we further evaluated the in vivo neuroprotective effect and toxicity of the ANNP/siRNA. The ANNP/siRNA was 80.6 nm with good stability when incubated with serum. In vivo, the treatment with ANNP/siRNA significantly improves the spatial learning and memory of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, as determined by mean escape latency, times of crossing the platform area during the 60 s swimming and the percentage of the distance in the target quadrant. Results and Conclusion: After the treatment, BACE1 RNA level of ANNP/siRNA group was greatly reduced, which contributed a good AD treatment outcome. Finally, after repeated administration, the ANNP/siRNA did not lead to significant change as observed by HE staining of main organs, suggesting the good biocompatibility of ANNP/siRNA. These results demonstrated that the ANNP was a good candidate for AD targeting siRNA delivery.

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