Stem cell-based neuroprosthetic device for spinal cord injury

Injury to the spinal cord or to a peripheral nerve affects the ability of the brain to communicate with muscles. The field of neuroprosthetics holds considerable promise for restoring function by using electronics to connect the brain directly to the muscle. A key limitation of this technology is establishing an efficient and reliable connection between electronics and muscle. Current solutions that utilize implantable electrodes show limited efficacy and lifetime. The aim of this project is to develop a novel neuroprosthetic device that uses stem cell-derived motor neurons to achieve peripheral nerve reinnervation and connection to flexible electronics. The device will host the cells in an electrically-active conduit, providing efficient electrical stimulation, while the activation of the muscle will take place through a neuromuscular junction, addressing the problems of efficiency and stability that plague current devices. This project covers the principle EPSRC research areas of Healthcare Technologies.
The Conduits that host the stem-cell derived neurons on flexible substrates will be fabricated at the Department of Engineering using advanced microfabrication techniques. They will comprise of conducting polymer electrodes that combine topographical guidance and electrical stimulation to guide reinnervation. The devices will be tested with collaborators in a neurobiology lab (Centre for Brain Repair and Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine) and implanted for electrophysiology testing in murine models at the MIRA animal facility. The main focus of the work will be on the design and prototyping of conduits and their validation.