SGER: Development of a Light-Driven Microactuator for a Retinal Prosthesis Application

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0439464SaggereIn this novel design, a retinal prosthesis is comprised of an array of microfluidic dispensers. The two principal components of each dispenser unit are: a light driven micro-actuator and a tiny fluid chamber connected to micronozzles that open up to the top surface of the device on one side. The light-driven microactuator serves as the prime mover for each fluid dispenser. When irradiated by light, the microactuator bends in the direction away from the incident light resulting in increased pressure in the chamber and ultimately ejection of fluid stored in the chamber through the micronozzles. The amount of fluid ejected and the rate of ejection will be regulated by the intensity and energy available in the incident light. The ultimate goal of this concept would be to relate the light information reaching the retina to the chemical signals communicated to the retinal neurons.