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

在这个新颖的设计中，视网膜假体由一组微流控分配器组成。每个分配器单元的两个主要组件是：一个光驱动的微执行器和一个连接到微喷嘴的微小流体腔，该微喷嘴在一侧打开到设备的顶面。光驱动微执行器是每个液体分配器的原动机。当受到光照射时，微致动器向远离入射光的方向弯曲，导致腔内压力增加，并最终通过微喷嘴喷射腔内存储的液体。射出的液体的量和射出的速度将由入射光的强度和可用能量来调节。这一概念的最终目标是将到达视网膜的光信息与传递给视网膜神经元的化学信号联系起来。

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.