A bioresorbable peripheral nerve stimulator for electronic pain block

Abstract

Local electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves can block the propagation of action potentials, as an attractive alternative to pharmacological agents for the treatment of acute pain. Traditional hardware for such purposes, however, involves interfaces that can damage nerve tissue and, when used for temporary pain relief, that impose costs and risks due to requirements for surgical extraction after a period of need. Here, we introduce a bioresorbable nerve stimulator that enables electrical nerve block and associated pain mitigation without these drawbacks. This platform combines a collection of bioresorbable materials in architectures that support stable blocking with minimal adverse mechanical, electrical, or biochemical effects. Optimized designs ensure that the device disappears harmlessly in the body after a desired period of use. Studies in live animal models illustrate capabilities for complete nerve block and other key features of the technology. In certain clinically relevant scenarios, such approaches may reduce or eliminate the need for use of highly addictive drugs such as opioids.

Bioresorbable, wireless, and battery-free system for electrotherapy and impedance sensing at wound sites

“…The electrical properties of the electrodes without an encapsulation layer and their stability of operation over a time frame set by the healing process have not been previously investigated and are important to understand for this potential medical application ( 21 , 22 ). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis of a Mo electrode immersed in DPBS (pH 7.4) at room temperature indicates no additional redox response except normal oxidation and reduction of Mo across voltages from 0 to 1.1 V ( Fig.…”

Pathway of transient electronics towards connected biomedical applications

“…Along with sensing biomarkers, transient electronics can also deliver stimuli to modulate the biological activity or trigger drug delivery at specific target locations for therapeutics. 14,24,33,35,62 Explored in neurotechnology, pancreatic and cardiac systems, 13,14,62 these implantable stimulator or drug delivery systems allow the operator to control transience onset on demand.…”

“…Commercially available electrical stimulators such as the responsive neurostimulator (RNS) have been used in clinical setups to help nerve recovery and gain stability in neuronal disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. 13,33,69 To avoid post-surgical complications from commercially rigid and non-bioresorbable stimulators, 32,70 a transient stimulator with sensors to detect biomarker signals in a closed-loop system allowed automatic modulation of biological activity by stimulation based on the detected signals. 32 The Si NM-based PIN diode was used to rectify the voltage generated in the Mobased receiver coil, which generated stimulation through Mobased electrodes 33 (Fig.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Besides sensing and diagnosis, bioresorbable electronics have also been implemented for biomedical therapeutics. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] With the need to use advanced transient systems in real-world healthcare infrastructure, control of their operational time becomes essential. Wirelessly triggered transience using an external stimulus such as electrical, optical, or ultrasound has recently been leveraged to dissolve the implant at a controlled rate and prescribed time, thereby controlling the implant's operational time [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] (Fig.…”

Electrical stimulation for therapeutic approach

“…Reproduced under terms of the CC-BY-NC license. 133 Copyright 2022, The Authors, published by American Association for the Advancement of Science. CNAP, compound nerve action potential; PENS, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; TENS, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.…”