Long Term Interfacing and Signaling of Neuronal Tissue Using Cubic Silicon Carbid

描述（由申请人提供）：目前的脑机接口（BMI）系统已经成功地缓解了一些由疾病或创伤引起的中枢神经系统（CNS）紊乱。不幸的是，用于检测体内电信号的非侵入性外部接收器的配置问题阻碍了其广泛应用。另一种选择是植入式神经元假体，能够整合中枢神经系统，允许直接检测和双向信号。不幸的是，这些设备引起慢性免疫反应主要是由于其结构材料，直接导致功能下降和设备故障。我们开发了一种新型材料，立方碳化硅（3C-SiC），它满足植入式神经修复装置的所有要求，并解决了生物相容性和无源电性能的主要问题。该应用程序的具体目的是严格评估该材料和其他半导体材料在体内纵向的生物相容性，确定由3C-SiC构建的神经元激活装置引发器官型海马切片培养的兴奋和可塑性的能力，并产生能够在体内双向通信的植入式电极装置。结合实验目的，申请人将提升其跨学科知识，专注于与神经科学相关的学科，并进一步发展科学写作和演讲技巧。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Current brain machine interface (BMI) systems have shown success in providing relief for some central nervous system (CNS) disorders caused by disease or trauma. Unfortunately, widespread utility has been hampered by challenges associated with the configuration of non-invasive external receivers intended to detect in vivo electrical signals. The alternative is an implantable neuronal prosthetic capable of CNS integration allowing direct detection and bi-directional signaling. Unfortunately, these devices elicit chronic immune responses mainly due to their materials of construction which directly lead to decreased functionality and device failure. We have developed a novel material, cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC), that meets all the requirements of an implantable neuronal prosthetic device and addresses the major problems of biocompatibility and passive electric properties. The specific aims of the application have been designed to rigorously evaluate the biocompatibility of this and other semi-conductor materials in vivo longitudinally, determine the ability of a neuronal activation device constructed of 3C-SiC to elicit excitation and plasticity of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and generate an implantable electrode device capable of bi-directional communication in vivo. In conjunction with the experimental aims, the applicant will advance his interdisciplinary knowledge, concentrating on disciplines applicable with relating technology to neuroscience, and further develop scientific writing and presentation skills. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This application proposes to study the interaction between the central nervous system and a novel neuronal prosthetic developed by the applicant. This novel device has the potential to improve the lives of people suffering from many neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), trauma resultant from stroke or acute injury, or be to used as an interface to control mechanized artificial limbs.