Nanobionics: the impact of nanotechnology on implantable medical bionic devices

Abstract

The nexus of any bionic device can be found at the electrode-cellular interface. Overall efficiency is determined by our ability to transfer electronic information across that interface. The nanostructure imparted to electrodes plays a critical role in controlling the cascade of events that determines the composition and structure of that interface. With commonly used conductors: metals, carbon and organic conducting polymers, a number of approaches that promote control over structure in the nanodomain have emerged in recent years with subsequent studies revealing a critical dependency between nanostructure and cellular behaviour. As we continue to develop our understanding of how to create and characterise electromaterials in the nanodomain, this is expected to have a profound effect on the development of next generation bionic devices. In this review, we focus on advances in fabricating nanostructured electrodes that present new opportunities in the field of medical bionics. We also briefly evaluate the interactions of living cells with the nanostructured electromaterials, in addition to highlighting emerging tools used for nanofabrication and nanocharacterisation of the electrode-cellular interface.

Facile Synthesis of Conductive Polypyrrole Wrinkle Topographies on Polydimethylsiloxane via a Swelling–Deswelling Process and Their Potential Uses in Tissue Engineering

“…[1][2][3] Electrically conducting polymers (CPs) (e.g., polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and polyaniline (PANi)) have been widely used as attractive biomaterials for various biomedical applications, such as biosensors and tissue engineering scaffolds, because of their simplicity in synthesis, facile modification of properties, and inherent electroactivity. [4][5][6] PPy is one of the most studied CPs in the biomedical areas due to its good environmental stability and biocompatibility.…”

Design, User Experience, and Usability. User Experience Design Practice

“…Thus, we proceeded to post-hoc analyses. The Wilcoxon-Nemenyi-McDonald-Thompson test was developed specifically for a post-hoc test that enables pairwise comparisons for non-parametric repeated measures data [36]. In Table 1, we presented the results of descriptive analyses and the pairwise comparisons between the top three and bottom three mood boards for both two commercials.…”

“…Current developments in this area include implantable devices, which significantly alter the relationship of patient and device. The technology required for more modern implantable devices is also changing and impacting the user experience at a fundamental level as these devices, working at the nanoscale in some cases [36], are used for a variety of therapeutic or life-saving functions ranging from drug infusion and cardiac pacing to direct neurostimulation. Implantable devices can automatically and directly alter a patient physically, physiologically and in many cases without any patient interaction [8].…”

Amine‐functionalized polypyrrole: Inherently cell adhesive conducting polymer

“…CPs' inherent electrical activity and conductivity have shown their unique abilities to mediate electronic or electrochemical communications between living systems and bionic devices[3, 4]. In particular, CP-based biomaterials enable electrical stimulation of cells and tissues for the modulation of cell fate, such as proliferation, differentiation, and activation[5-10].…”

“…1,2 CPs' inherent electrical activity and conductivity have shown their unique abilities to mediate electronic or electrochemical communications between living systems and bionic devices. 3,4 In particular, CP-based biomaterials enable electrical stimulation of cells and tissues for the modulation of cell fate, such as proliferation, differentiation, and activation. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most studied CPs for tissue engineering applications because of its good environmental stability, easy synthesis, and biocompatibility.…”