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Design and Fabrication of Brain Spinal Cord Electrodes for Rehabilitation of Rats with Spinal Cord Injuries

Mashayekhi, Fatemeh | 2022

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 55461 (05)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Electrical Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Fardmanesh, Mehdi; Shanehsazzadeh, Faezeh
  7. Abstract:
  8. The use of microelectrode arrays in neural networks has offered a wonderful opportunity for evaluating numerous properties and interactions with excitable tissues such as the brain and spinal cord in the laboratory. In neural network applications, microelectrode arrays can be utilized to analyze nerve impulses or interact with neurons. They are either used to record neural data or to stimulate spinal cord nerves. Previous research has revealed that stimulating the spinal epidural region can help restore after spinal cord injuries (SCIs), which is the key to using them in the rehabilitation of living beings, including humans. According to the international campaign for the treatment of SCI paralysis, 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from these injuries. In this study, I have designed and manufactured an electrode to stimulate the rat spinal cord with the aim of its motor rehabilitation. The possible techniques of fabricating these electrodes have been investigated and tested, and the challenges and outcomes of each have been discussed. Fabrication methods are divided into single-layer and multi-layer methods and various biocompatible substrate materials and conductive portions have been examined. Finally, the single-layer approach and usage of flexible substrate for molds have been determined to be the most cost-effective and efficient fabrication method. PDMS is used as the substrate and insulator layer in the electrode sandwich structure where copper wires conduct electrical stimulation impulses. The copper wires have a diameter of 100 microns and are separated by 500 microns. To prevent damage during surgery, the electrodes have been reinforced.
  9. Keywords:
  10. Microfabrication ; Spinal Cord Injury ; Spinal Cord Electrode ; Neural Stimulation ; Rehabilitation

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