cfaed Seminar Series
cfaed Seminar Series
Dr. Ivan Minev , BIOTEC, TU Dresden
Electronic Tissue Technologies for Interfacing the Nervous System
25.08.2016 (Thursday)
, 15:00 - 16:00
Werner-Hartmann-Bau, Room WHB205 , Nöthnitzer Str. 66 , 01187 Dresden
Neuro-electronic implants improve the lives of countless individuals through diagnostic or prosthetic functions. Beyond the success of cochlear implants or deep brain stimulation, we can envisage therapeutic applications in virtually any body system controlled by neurons. Making the most out of this opportunity will depend on the seamless integration of functional implants with tissues. Challenges stem from the kinetic nature and mechanical softness of neural tissues, as well as from our limited ability to control neural circuits with arbitrary selectivity. Overcoming these challenges will increase the longevity and usefulness of neural interfaces.
In this talk, I will summarize my past experience in integrating low modulus engineering materials in implantable neuro-electronic devices that can survive in mechanically challenging tissue environments. I will describe an artificial membrane that mimics the elastic properties of dura mater - the protective skin around the brain and spinal cord - and supports stretchable electrodes, interconnects and microfluidics to enable multi-modal neuro-modulation. Chronically implanted on the surface of the spinal cord, the electronic dura mater was used to restore walking in rats with paralyzing spinal cord injury by delivering precise electro-chemical stimulation to the dormant spinal cord. Still in the context of spinal cord injury, we adapted the soft electrode technology to create the sensory arm of a closed-loop bladder control neuroprosthetic system.
Finally, I will discuss some directions for our newly established research group “Electronic Tissue Technologies” in the context of nervous system repair.
Bio:
Ivan Minev obtained the PhD degree at the University of Cambridge in 2012. Working in the group of Stephanie Lacour he was involved in developing stretchable electronics. Between 2012 and 2016 he was a post-doctoral researcher at the Center for Neuroprosthetics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, developing soft implants for the nervous system. In June 2016, Ivan joined BIOTEC/CRTD in Dresden to establish a junior research group.