Wireless Implantable Nerve Stimulation - a NFC based platform for patient driven nerve regeneration

Purpose and goal

We accomplished the goal to develop and fabricate a soft elastic nerve interface that could be wrapped around a nerve at the time of surgery. Functionality was confirmed by electromechanical and electrochemical characterization. The method allowed for fabrication of > 20 electrodes. Electronics driving electrical impulses through nerves as both PCBs and our own ASIC were developed. Equipment was tested on a rat model by stimulating the ischias nerve. A biocompatibility study on a rat was evaluated.

Expected results and effects

The soft and elastic nerve interface comprises a silicone rubber substrate with patterned gold nanowire conductors. The electrodes are formed by plating platinum on top of gold nanowires. The electrode showed such high areal capacitance that they will not constitute a limiting factor for electrical stimulation. A method for connecting the interface to standard flat cables was developed. The interface worked well with control electronics and animal model, thus fulfilling the effects and outcomes.

Planned approach and implementation

The subprojects were dependent of each other and progress was discussed regularly. The development of the nerve interfaces started with discussions based on experience and literature studies. Prototypes were presented for all project members and jointly we developed handling of soft and flexible interfaces during surgery. Which required new practical solutions. The last months of the projects were affected by Covid-19, which prevented laborative work and studies are planned for the next year.