Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Nowakowska-Desplantes, M.
Assessment of functionality and safety of organic electrolytic photocapacitors for wireless brain stimulation
PhD-Studium (Doctor of Philosophy); Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2024. pp. 176
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Hochmeister Sonja
- Patz Silke
- Schindl Rainer
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Neurostimulation, the targeted modulation of nervous tissue activity, stands as a pivotal technique in both neuroscientific inquiry and clinical applications. Successful applications of electrical brain stimulation range from restoring motor control in Parkinson’s disease to reducing seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy, and enhancing rehabilitation post-stroke or injury. The development of wireless neurostimulation methods represents a significant goal in this field, with researchers aiming to minimise invasiveness and enhance patient comfort by eliminating the need for cumbersome cables and control units. Among potential solutions, photoactive organic semiconductors emerge as particularly promising. Their distinct properties enable the conversion of light signals into electric fields, which is achievable within thin layers, thereby significantly reducing the bulk of stimulatory devices. However, before a new technique can be considered for clinical application, its safety and efficacy must be rigorously established through preclinical studies. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility, biocompatibility, and efficacy of wireless light-controlled organic electrolytic photocapacitors (OEPC) in neurostimulation. In this study, OEPC were applied across various models encompassing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo rat brain applications. The in vivo model was based on primary cortical cell culture. Over a two-week cultivation period, no discernible differences in cytotoxicity were observed between cells grown atop OEPC versus those cultured on standard glass cover slips. Light stimulation of cells on OEPC led to elevated c-Fos expression compared to cells maintained in darkness, indicating effective stimulation. This effect was achieved primarily through the device's photoactive layer, with signal propagation observed within the neuronal network.