STEER: 3D Printed Guide for Nerve Regrowth Control and Neural Interface in Non-Human Primate Model

• Published in: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Vol. 69; no. 3; pp. 1085 - 1092
• Main Authors: Blasiak, Agata, Ng, Kian Ann, Wong, Marshal Dian Sheng, Tsai, Chne-Wuen, Rusly, Astrid, Gammad, Gil Gerald Lasam, Voges, Kai, Libedinsky, Camilo, Yen, Shih Cheng, Thakor, Nitish V., Lahiri, Amitabha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.03.2022; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 3D printing; Animals; Axons; Axons - physiology; coaptation; Computer applications; Electrodes; Electrodes, Implanted; Encapsulation; Fibrosis; Harnesses; Implants; Interface stability; Laminates; nerve guidance; neural interface; neuroprosthesis; Peripheral Nerves - physiology; Primates; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Prostheses; Regrowth; Substrates; Three dimensional printing; Three-dimensional displays; Tissues; VeroClear; Wires
• ISSN: 0018-9294; 1558-2531
• DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2021.3113653

Objective: Peripheral neural interface (PNI) with a stable integration of synthetic elements with neural tissue is key for successfulneuro-prosthetic applications. An inevitable phenomenon of reactive fibrosis is a primary hurdle for long term functionality of PNIs. This proof-of-concept study aimed to fabricate and test a novel, stable PNI that harnesses fibro-axonal outgrowth at the nerve end and includes fibrosis in the design. Methods: Two non-human primates were implanted with Substrate-guided, Tissue-Electrode Encapsulation and Integration (STEER) PNIs. The implant included a 3D printed guide that strove to steer the regrowing nerve towards encapsulation of the electrodes into a fibro-axonal tissue. After four months from implantation, we performed electrophysiological measurements to test STEER's functionality and examined the macro and micro- morphology of the outgrowth tissue. Results: We observed a highly structured fibro-axonal composite within the STEER PNI. A conduction of intracranially generated action potentials was successfully recorded across the neural interface. Immunohistology demonstrated uniquely configured laminae of myelinated axons encasing the implant. Conclusion: STEER PNI reconfigured the structure of the fibro-axonal tissue and facilitated long-term functionality and stability of the neural interface. Significance: The results point to the feasibility of our concept for creating a stable PNI with long-term electrophysiologic functionality by using simple design and materials.