Development of a Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for Control of a Neuroprosthetic Limb
Date
2016-04-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to develop a peripheral nerve interface using cultured myoblasts within a
scaffold to provide a biologically stable interface while providing signal amplification for neuroprosthetic control and preventing
neuroma formation. Methods. A Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) composed of a scaffold and cultured myoblasts
was implanted on the end of a divided peroneal nerve in rats (𝑛��� = 25). The scaffold material consisted of either silicone mesh,
acellular muscle, or acellular muscle with chemically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conductive polymer. Average
implantation time was 93 days. Electrophysiological tests were performed at endpoint to determine RPNI viability and ability
to transduce neural signals. Tissue samples were examined using both light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results. All
implanted RPNIs, regardless of scaffold type, remained viable and displayed robust vascularity. Electromyographic activity and
stimulated compound muscle action potentials were successfully recorded from all RPNIs. Physiologic efferent motor action
potentials were detected from RPNIs in response to sensory foot stimulation. Histology and transmission electron microscopy
revealed mature muscle fibers, axonal regeneration without neuroma formation, neovascularization, and synaptogenesis. Desmin
staining confirmed the preservation and maturation of myoblasts within the RPNIs. Conclusions. RPNI demonstrates significant
myoblast maturation, innervation, and vascularization without neuroma formation.
Description
Publisher's PDF
Keywords
Citation
Urbanchek, Melanie G., et al. "Development of a Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for Control of a Neuroprosthetic Limb." BioMed Research International 2016 (2016).