The density difference between tissue and neural probes is a key factor for glial scarring.
Author
Summary, in English
A key to successful chronic neural interfacing is to achieve minimal glial scarring surrounding the implants, as the astrocytes and microglia may functionally insulate the interface. A possible explanation for the development of these reactions is mechanical forces arising between the implants and the brain. Here, we show that the difference between the density of neural probes and that of the tissue, and the resulting inertial forces, are key factors for the development of the glial scar. Two probes of similar size, shape, surface structure and elastic modulus but differing greatly in density were implanted into the rat brain. After six weeks, significantly lower astrocytic and microglial reactions were found surrounding the low-density probes, approaching no reaction at all. This provides a major key to design fully biocompatible neural interfaces and a new platform for in vivo assays of tissue reactions to probes with differing materials, surface structures, and shapes.
Department/s
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Publication/Series
Scientific Reports
Volume
3
Issue
Oct 15
Full text
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Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Topic
- Neurosciences
Status
Published
Research group
- Neuronano Research Center (NRC)
- Neurophysiology
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2045-2322