Prototype could help nervous system problems

In a new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the team, led by Professor Ivan Minev, from the Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering at The University of Sheffield, and Prof Pavel Musienko from Russia’s St Petersburg State University, have developed a prototype neural implant which could be used to develop treatments for problems in the nervous system.

The neural implant has been used to stimulate the spinal cord of animal models with spinal cord injuries and now could be used to develop new treatments for human patients with paralysis. The proof of concept technology has been shown in the study to also fit well on the surface of a brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles, hence opening possibilities in other neurological conditions.

Linking the human brain to a computer via a neural interface is an ambition for many researchers throughout the worlds of science, technology and medicine, with recent stories in the media highlighting efforts to develop the technology.

However, innovation in the field is hampered by the huge costs and long development time it takes to produce prototypes - which are needed for exploring new treatments.

The technology promises great potential to bring new medical treatments for injuries to the nervous system based on a fusion of biology and electronics.

The vision relies on implants that can sense and supply tiny electrical impulses in the brain and the nervous system.

Prof Minev said: “The research we have started at TU Dresden and continuing here at Sheffield has demonstrated how 3D printing can be harnessed to produce prototype implants at a speed and cost that hasn’t been done before, all whilst maintaining the standards needed to develop a useful device. The power of 3D printing means the prototype implants can be quickly changed and reproduced again as needed to help drive forward research and innovation in neural interfaces.”

FROM THE EDITOR

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscri ptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.