Biocompatibility evaluation of a thermoplastic rubber for wireless telemetric intracranial pressure sensor coating

Abstract

This study investigated the biocompatibility of the experimental thermoplastic rubber Arbomatrix™ that will be used as the protective coating on a novel intracranial pressure (ICP) sensor silicon chip. Arbomatrix™ was benchmarked against biocompatible commercial silicone rubber shunt tubing in the brain via a rat model with 60-day implant duration. A bare silicon chip was also implanted. The results showed similar cellular distribution in the brain-implant boundary and surrounding tissues. Quantitative analysis of neuron and glia density did not show significant difference between implants. Through histological and immunohistochemical evaluation we conclude that Arbomatrix™ is well tolerated by the brain. Due to its exceptional barrier properties Arbomatrix™ has already been shown to be an excellent protective coating for new ICP monitoring chip.

Emerging Encapsulation Technologies for Long-Term Reliability of Microfabricated Implantable Devices

“…PIB is a gas impermeable rubber which is used as pharmaceutical stoppers and blood bags for its inertness and excellent barrier properties. Recently, several works have demonstrated PIB for implantable devices such as intracranial pressure sensors, stents, and optogenetic stimulators [166,167,168], but its long-term reliability needs to be investigated for chronic implantation. While miniaturization of traditional titanium package for further reduced form factor and higher feedthrough density is also being pursued by means of advancement in precision machining and brazing, its compatibility with microfabricated devices is yet to be solved [169,170].…”

Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of Polypyrrole Implanted Subdurally in GAERS

“…After a period of seven weeks, the rats were euthanized and parallel series of coronal sections were cut throughout the implant site. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to evaluate inflammation, and general histological and architectural changes . Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was used to evaluate possible materials glial reaction (gliosis), while the ED1 (CD68) antibody and the neural marker neuron‐specific nuclear protein (NeuN) antibody were used to evaluate rat macrophages and neuronal toxicity respectively …”

“…H&E staining was performed similarly to previously published protocol . In brief, slices were removed from the −80 °C freezer and left to air dry for 10–30 min.…”

Predicting Average Molecular Weights and Branching Level for Self‐Condensing Vinyl Copolymerization in a CSTR

“…In recent years, the research group of Puskas et al developed a new one‐pot synthesis route for making arborescent polymers . Arborescent polyisobutylene ( arb PIB), which they produced via living carbocationic polymerization, is suitable for human implantation, especially for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery . Compared with traditional silicon‐based materials, arb PIB has higher mechanical strength, less liquid leakage, and better biocompatibility, allowing new cells to grow on the surface of arb PIB material …”