An implant has been developed to deliver drugs to the brain
Copper news based on the materials of Science Daily: Futuristic brain probe allows for wireless control of neuronsAmerican scientists have developed a device that allows you to inject drugs into brain tissue, as well as to influence neurons located deep in the organ with light.
It is noteworthy that the use of the device allows you to perform these actions during a minimally invasive procedure.
A study of a new generation implant is presented in the journal Cell (Jeong et al., Wireless Optofluidic Systems for Programmable In Vivo Pharmacology and Optogenetics – VM). The authors of the study studied the mechanisms underlying conditions such as stress, depression, and addiction. Usually, scientists conducting preclinical trials resort to surgical intervention in order to deliver drugs to the brain tissues of animals. This not only increases the likelihood of damage to brain areas, but also affects the results of the experiment.
To solve this problem, the authors of the study developed an optofluidic implant with a thickness of 80 microns and a width of 500 microns, which significantly less damages brain tissue than traditional cannulas.
The diagram from the article in the Cell – VM
"We used powerful nano-manufacturing strategies to manufacture the implant, which allowed us to penetrate deep into brain tissue with minimal damage," explained co–author of the study John Rogers (John Rogers). Scientists have confirmed the effectiveness of the device during preclinical studies. So, the authors of the study managed to "program" mice to walk in a circle. To do this, scientists used the device to inject animals with a drug that mimics the effect of morphine into the ventral region of the tire.
At the second stage of the study, scientists analyzed the effect of the implant on mice that had light-sensitive neurons in the ventral region of the tire. The device generated flashes of light, which allowed scientists to monitor the activity of this area of the brain. "This opens up a whole world of possibilities for scientists who will be able to better study the functioning of the brain in more natural conditions," said the head of the study Michael Bruchas (Michael Bruchas).
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17.07.2015