The implant is able to restore the function of the damaged spinal cord.

Scientists and engineers from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne and the Swiss research center NCCR Robotics have created an unparalleled implant that could lead to a revolution in prosthetics. The implant, called e-dura, allows you to "repair" damage to the spinal cord and has already successfully manifested itself in months of animal testing. Now researchers are preparing for experiments on people and are preparing a prototype for entering the market. Reports about this resource Robohub .



Traditional methods of treating damage to the spinal cord have been ineffective until now, because the implanted electrodes were hard to place inside the tissues, moreover, with prolonged use, they rubbed on the tissue and damaged the so-called. dura mater (protective "case" in which the brain is located), which in Latin is called "dura mater" (hence the name of the implant).
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The device is a 200 micron thick strip of soft and stretchable silicone, which during deformation fully retains the ability to conduct electricity and chemicals needed to stimulate the nerves. The conductive paths are made of a mixture of silicon and platinum microparticles. A microchannel for a fluid (section 100 to 50 micrometers) conducts chemical neurotransmitters that reactivate the nerves of the spinal cord. The rats with damaged spinal cords, on which experiments were performed, were able to walk two weeks after implantation, and carry the device in themselves for several months without damage to the tissues.

According to researchers, the use of such an implant can help not only people with spinal cord damage, but also those who suffer from various neurological syndromes like Parkinson's disease, if they are successfully introduced to the market.