Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without causing any damage. These robotic nerve cuffs combine flexible electronics and soft robotics techniques and could be used for diagnosing and treating various neurological disorders, as well as controlling prosthetic limbs. The current tools for interfacing with peripheral nerves are outdated and carry a high risk of nerve injury, but these new devices are sensitive enough to grasp or wrap around delicate nerve fibers without causing harm.
Tests of the nerve cuffs in rats have shown that they only require tiny voltages to change shape in a controlled manner, forming a self-closing loop around nerves without the need for surgical sutures or glues. The researchers believe that this combination of soft electrical actuators with neurotechnology could revolutionize minimally invasive monitoring and treatment of neurological conditions. These electric nerve implants can be used to stimulate or block signals in target nerves, potentially helping to relieve pain or restore movement in paralyzed limbs. Nerve monitoring is essential during surgeries near nerve-dense areas like the spinal cord.
The nerve cuffs made from conducting polymers are designed in two separate layers and are activated by small amounts of electricity. When electrically activated, the cuffs change shape to wrap around the nerve, allowing for monitoring or alteration of nerve activity. These cuffs are small enough to be rolled up into a needle and injected near the target nerve, eliminating the need for invasive surgery. The low voltage required for actuation reduces the risk of nerve damage and allows the cuffs to adjust their tightness around the nerve for optimal recording and stimulation.
Tests in rats have demonstrated the successful placement of the cuffs without the need for surgery, forming a self-closing loop around the target nerve. The researchers plan to further test these devices in animal models and hope to begin testing in humans within the next few years. This non-invasive approach to reaching difficult-to-access nerves, such as those controlling pain, vision, or hearing, may open up new possibilities for targeted treatments. The ability to change the shape of implants through electrical activation could lead to highly targeted and customizable treatments in the future.
The development of these robotic nerve cuffs was supported by organizations such as the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Cambridge Trust, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The researchers believe that this technology could pave the way for future implant designs that can move through the body or even into the brain, offering new possibilities for patient care. Overall, these tiny, flexible devices offer a less invasive, safer, and more effective approach to nerve interfacing, with the potential to significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological conditions.
