Enhanced Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites with Nanocomposite Electrodes for Restoring Eyelid Movement of Patients with Ptosis

Abstract

The present study aims to use enhanced ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC) as an artificial muscle (a soft-active actuator) to restore eyelid movement of patients with ptosis. The previous eyelid movement mechanisms contained drawbacks, specifically in the lower eyelid. We used finite element analysis (FEA) to find the optimal mechanism among two different models (A and B). In addition to common electrodes of IPMC (gold and platinum), the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) polymers, with optimal weight percentages of carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofiller, were also utilized as non-metallic electrodes to improve the efficiency of the IPMC actuator. In both models, IPMC with nanocomposite electrodes had higher efficiency as compared to the metallic electrodes. In model A, which moved eyelids indirectly, IPMC with MCC-CNT electrode generated a higher force (25.4%) and less stress (5.9 times) as compared to IPMC with BSA-CNT electrode. However, the use of model A (even with IPMCs) with nanocomposite electrodes can have limitations such as possible malposition issues in the eyelids (especially lower). IPMC with MCC-CNT nanocomposite electrode under model B, which moved eyelids directly, was the most efficient option to restore eyelid movement. It led to higher displacements and lower mechanical stress damage as compared to the BSA-CNT. This finding may provide surgeons with valuable data to open a window in the treatment of patients with ptosis.

Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Multi-Functionalized Liposomes as Drug-Delivery Systems for Neurological Disorders

“…As to the stability of any formulation, the variation of LP components was ≤9% within one month after synthesis, which is in accordance with the analysis of the diameter and PDI values, which were constant for a month; therefore we can assume that the risk of aggregation of these LP is very low. Indeed, it is worth noting that general lipid-based nanoparticles have a risk of aggregation and cluster formation during practical use [ 42 ], which has to be considered when developing a novel drug-delivery system. These are encouraging results, considering that both reproducibility and stability assessment are some of the major considerations for LPs production.…”

Carbon‐Based Nanomaterials Electrodes of Ionic Soft Actuators: From Initial 1D Structure to 3D Composite Structure for Flexible Intelligent Devices

“…Additionally, CNTs are frequently utilized in ISAs due to the qualities of light weight, good flexibility, and good durability. [55,[200][201][202] Even the ISA with a single SWCNT electrode exhibits exceptional actuation owing to the excellent conductivity, electromechanical properties, and structural stability of the SWCNT. [13,96,203] For instance, the ISA of the SWCNT electrode created by Kim et al [175] (Figure 4a,b) had a large bending strain of 0.45% (Figure 4c) under 1.0 V and 0.5 Hz, an ultrafast response of 0.2 s (Figure 4d), and a neglected reduction in the actuator performance after 20 000 cycles (Figure 4e).…”

“…Additionally, CNTs are frequently utilized in ISAs due to the qualities of light weight, good flexibility, and good durability. [ 55,200–202 ]…”

Application‐Oriented Modeling of Soft Actuator Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites: A Review

“…It can predict IPMC displacement, [14,104,105,111,112,[114][115][116][117][118][119]122] optimize IPMC performance, [114,121,122] and develop IPMC-based devices. [14,18,118,123] 4.3. Models Based on Thermodynamic Theory…”

“…It can predict IPMC displacement, [ 14,104,105,111,112,114–119,122 ] optimize IPMC performance, [ 114,121,122 ] and develop IPMC‐based devices. [ 14,18,118,123 ]…”