Biodegradable MEMS implants for nerve repair

Introduction

In this project, I will develop biodegradable MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) implants for nerve repair, a new class of microsystems made entirely of biodegradable materials, including sensors, actuators, and electronics.

Project Focus

These wireless implants will focus on the mechanical stretching of peripheral nerves in vivo for neural regeneration after injury. Two strategies will be explored, compared, and combined:

1. Cyclic mechanical nerve stimulation with NerveCyclicStretch, a soft biodegradable magnetic implant controlled by wireless magnetic actuation with an integrated strain sensor.
2. Constant mechanical traction with NerveSuctionStretch, a biodegradable implant applying negative pressure to the injured nerve with a biodegradable MEMS micropump and with an integrated pressure sensor.

New biodegradable stretchable magnetic and conducting materials will be developed for this purpose. In vivo studies on the sciatic nerve of rat models will be performed to demonstrate the proper operation of the implants and to identify the optimal mechanical stimulation parameters for nerve repair.

Material Development

The development of new functional biodegradable materials (with tailored magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties) and cleanroom-compatible fabrication processes (thin films deposition, photolithography, etching of biodegradable metals and polymer composites) will enable the realization of fully biodegradable microsystems while retaining the established advantages of MEMS:

• Small size
• High precision
• Fast response time
• Low energy consumption
• Reliable large-scale production

Impact

This proposal is a paradigm shift in the design of medical devices, with biodegradable implants allowing for the first time the in vivo exploration of a promising new therapeutic approach. Beyond neurosciences, Nerve-Repair2.0 will pave the way for many other medical applications including cardiac diseases, addressing crucial societal challenges that could not be solved otherwise.