Abstract
Current research in prosthetic device design aims to mimic natural movements using a feedback system that connects to the patient's own nerves to control the device. The first step in using neurons to control motion is to make and maintain contact between neurons and the feedback sensors. Therefore, the goal of this project was to determine if changes in electrode resistance could be detected when a neuron extended a neurite to contact a sensor. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were harvested from chick embryos and cultured on a collagen-coated carbon nanotube microelectrode array for two days. The DRG were seeded along one side of the array so the processes extended across the array, contacting about half of the electrodes. Electrode resistance was measured both prior to culture and after the two day culture period. Phase contrast images of the microelectrode array were taken after two days to visually determine which electrodes were in contact with one or more DRG neurite or tissue. Electrodes in contact with DRG neurites had an average change in resistance of 0.15 MΩ compared with the electrodes without DRG neurites. Using this method, we determined that resistance values can be used as a criterion for identifying electrodes in contact with a DRG neurite. These data are the foundation for future development of an autonomous feedback resistance measurement system to continuously monitor DRG neurite outgrowth at specific spatial locations.
Highlights
The field of neuroprosthetics has the potential to substantially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide [1, 2]
Resistance values were measured from each electrode prior to Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) plating and culturing
After a period of 2 days, resistance values were measured for each electrode and the change in resistance was calculated
Summary
The field of neuroprosthetics has the potential to substantially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide [1, 2]. The development of neuroprostheses has been relatively slow because of the time and costs associated with device approvals. To reduce costs in development and provide solutions that will be more likely to succeed in clinical trials, preclinical studies require the development of noninvasive research tools to gather meaningful data pertaining to nerve function and regeneration in the presence of realistic microenvironments [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
