Organic Bionics: A New Dimension in Neural Communications

Abstract

The term "bionics" is synonymous with the term "biomimetics" and in this context refers to the integration of human engineered devices to take advantage of functional mechanisms and structures resident in nature. The use of electrical conductors to transmit charge into and out of biological systems to affect biological processes has been the source of great scientifi c interest. This has inspired many to explore the possible use of electrical stimulation in promoting positive health outcomes. Advances in medical bionics technology are dependent upon eliciting precise control of the electrical energy to deliver benefi cial health outcomes. The advent of carbon-based organic conductors now provides the platform for unprecedented possibilities by which the electrical energy can be used to modulate the function of medical devices. The use of organic conductors in the fi eld of bionics, and in particular medical bionics, as that involved with the development of devices that enable the effective integration of biology (nature) and electronics to achieve a targeted functional outcome is explored.

Exploiting high quality PEDOT:PSS–SWNT composite formulations for wet-spinning multifunctional fibers

“…These exciting properties present a range of opportunities for the development of macroscopic architectures in the areas of energy storage and conversion, 14,65 bionics 32,43 and biomedical devices. 42 It is also anticipated that the methods and results presented here is sufficiently general to provide useful strategies in solving the fundamental challenges commonly encountered in processing SWNT-based composites. We anticipate that these findings can be used as a guideline for rational design of multifunctional fibers for technological applications.…”

“…17 This strategy has been applied to a limited number of polymers such as PVA and epoxy. 17,42 On the other hand, meltprocessing of homogeneous SWNT-polymer also requires a relatively complex procedure. Haggenmueller et al also dispersed SWNT and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in dimethylformamide (DMF), then blended the mixtures and finally cast the final product.…”

Large enhancement in neurite outgrowth on a cell membrane-mimicking conducting polymer

“…On interaction of the matter in solution with the substrate on the sensor crystal, the changes in the resonance frequency of the sensor (Df), which is related to the attached mass, were recorded at a resolution of less than 1 s. If necessary, the pump was stopped for a few seconds to change the sample solutions without disturbing the QCM-D signal. The resonance frequencies were measured simultaneously at 5 MHz and its five harmonics (15,25,35,45,55 and 65 MHz). If not stated otherwise, changes in frequency of the third overtone (n ¼ 3; that is, 15 MHz) are presented.…”

“…These outstanding electrical properties allow PEDOT to provide stable electrical communications with attached cells and tissues, and efficiently deliver charges to them over extended periods of time 34 . PEDOTs have already been employed to interface with neural tissues and cells in many bioelectronic devices 35 , including electronic ion pumps for neural signal delivery 36 , transistors for biosensing 37,38 , cochlear implants 39 and neural probes 40 .…”

Multifunctional conducting fibres with electrically controlled release of ciprofloxacin

“…Advances in the fabrication of neuroprosthetic electrodes have attracted considerable interest from biomedical researchers [1][2][3][4][5]. These electrodes can be incorporated into a neuroprosthetic device capable of electrically stimulating cells as well as recording signals generated by cells [6].…”