A61N1/0536

Preparation and applications of biocompatible conductive inks based on cellulose nanofibrils for 3D printing of conductive biomedical devices and for use as models for study of neurodegenerative disorders and connection between brain/neurons and communication or other electronic devices
10774227 · 2020-09-15 · ·

The present invention relates to preparation and use of nanocellulose fibrils or crystals such as disintegrated bacterial nanocellulose, tunicate-derived nanocellulose, or plant-derived nanocellulose, together with carbon nanotubes, as a biocompatible and conductive ink for 3D printing of electrically conductive patterns. Biocompatible conductive bioinks described in this invention were printed in the form of connected lines onto wet or dried nanocellulose films, bacterial cellulose membrane, or tunicate decellularized tissue. The devices were biocompatible and showed excellent mechanical properties and good electrical conductivity through printed lines (3.8.Math.10.sup.1 S cm.sup.1). Such scaffolds were used to culture neural cells. Neural cells attached selectively on the printed pattern and formed connective networks. The devices prepared by this invention are suited as bioassays to screen drugs against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, study brain function, and/or be used to link the human brain with electronic and/or communication devices. They can also be implanted to replace neural tissue or stimulate guiding of neural cells. They can also be used to stimulate the heart by using electrical signaling or to repair myocardial infarction and/or damage related thereto.

Electrical treatment of Parkinson's disease

Apparatus is provided that includes a parenchymal electrode, configured to be implanted in brain parenchyma of a subject identified as at risk of or suffering from a synucleinopathy; and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) electrode, configured to be implanted in a CSF-filled space of a brain of the subject, the CSF-filled space selected from the group consisting of: a ventricular system and a subarachnoid space. Control circuitry is configured to drive the parenchymal and the CSF electrodes to clear alpha-synuclein (aSyn) from the brain parenchyma into the CSF-filled space of the brain. Other embodiments are also described.

MOLECULAR IMPRINTED BIOFUNCTIONAL DEVICE
20200261628 · 2020-08-20 ·

An apparatus and method are disclosed for a biofunctional molecular imprint medical device configured to remain in permanent or temporary contact with a body comprising a supportive structure, a surface material that receives and retains a molecular imprint and that is positioned to contact a body tissue or other substance during use, a molecular imprint of a bioactive molecule wherein an imprinted cavity is of a bioactive molecule that catalyzes the promotion or suppression biological processes and at least one of a semiconductor, a nanoparticle quantum dot, a nano-island, and a quantum wire, wherein the nanoparticle quantum dot, nano-island, or quantum wire produces an electron wave function configuration that dynamically reconfigures the electron charge distribution within the molecular imprint, enabling tuning of the imprinted cavity.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEEP MIND ANALYSIS
20200222010 · 2020-07-16 ·

Embodiments of the present invention may provide techniques for brain interfacing, mapping neuronal structure, manipulating cellular structure, cognitive and brain augmentation via implants, and curing, not just managing, neurological disorders. For example, a method for deep mind analysis may comprise receiving electrical and optical signals from electrophysiological neural signals of brain tissue from at least one read modality, encoding the received electrical and optical signals using a Fundamental Code Unit, automatically generating at least one machine learning model using the Fundamental Code Unit encoded electrical and optical signals, generating at least one optical or electrical signal to be transmitted to the brain tissue using the generated at least one machine learning model, and transmitting the generated at least one optical or electrical signal to the brain tissue to provide electrophysiological stimulation of the brain tissue using at least one write modality.

ELECTRODE CURED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE BODY, AND RELATED METHODS AND DEVICES

An injectable electrode which is manufactured in the body by curing from a liquid phase to a solid phase, and therefore molding to the contours of the bodily structures where it is injected.

CONDUCTING POLYMER MICROCONTAINERS FOR ORGANIC BIOELECTRONICS AND DRUG DELIVERY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides nano and microstructures of conducting polymers which may be used in the treatment of neuron regeneration. In some embodiments, the microstructures may be a microcup or a nanogroove structure. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the conducting polymer coated microstructures and methods of using these compositions or structures.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD WITH THREADED FIXATION
20200179677 · 2020-06-11 ·

The disclosure is directed to securing electrodes of a medical lead adjacent to a target tissue site. The medical lead may include one or more threaded fixation structures disposed circumferentially about the outer surface of the lead body, or elongated member, that resembles a screw or auger. During implantation, a clinician may rotate the entire lead to screw the lead into the tissue of the patient until electrodes of the lead reside adjacent to a target tissue. In this manner, the threaded fixation structure secures the lead within the patient to resist lead migration and improper therapy and provide a fine adjustment for depth of placement. The threaded fixation structure may be disposed on a portion of the lead proximal to or distal to the electrodes of the lead or over the portion of the lead that includes the electrodes.

Molecular imprinted biofunctional device

An apparatus is disclosed for a biofunctional molecular imprint apparatus comprising a supportive structure that cuts, punctures, retains, repairs, protects, interrogates, and/or supports the function of a body tissue or other substance; a surface material that receives and retains a molecular imprint and that is positioned to contact the body tissue or other substance during use; and a molecular imprint of a bioactive molecule that influences blood coagulation, tissue damage, pain, immune response, inflammation, infection, healing, tissue regeneration, cell adhesion, the formation of extracellular matrix, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, bacterial growth, and/or side effects.

IMPLANT WITH REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES SCAVENGING COATING

A chronically implanted medical device is disclosed that has an outermost layer formed from a conjugate of a polymer with lipoic acid, the conjugate having free 1,2-dithiolane groups. It is contemplated that this layer scavenges reactive oxygen species, i.e. acts as an antioxidant, and thus reduces inflammation and other adverse effects around the implant itself.

MEDICAL DEVICE FOR SENSING AND OR STIMULATING TISSUE

Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.