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Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective layer-by-layer coatings for neural implants
Zhiling Zhang1, Jia Nong, Yinghui Zhong
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Objective:
Infection, inflammation, and neuronal loss are common issues that seriously affect the functionality and longevity of chronically implanted neural prostheses. Minocycline hydrochloride (MH) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and effective anti-inflammatory drug that also exhibits potent neuroprotective activities. In this study, we investigated the development of biocompatible thin film coatings capable of sustained release of MH for improving the long term performance of implanted neural electrodes.
Approach:
We developed a novel magnesium binding-mediated drug delivery mechanism for controlled and sustained release of MH from an ultrathin hydrophilic layer-by-layer (LbL) coating and characterized the parameters that control MH loading and release. The anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potencies of the LbL coating and released MH were also examined.
Main Results:
Sustained release of physiologically relevant amount of MH for 46 days was achieved from the Mg(2+)-based LbL coating at a thickness of 1.25 μm. In addition, MH release from the LbL coating is pH-sensitive. The coating and released MH demonstrated strong anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potencies.
Significance:
This study reports, for the first time, the development of a bioactive coating that can target infection, inflammation, and neuroprotection simultaneously, which may facilitate the translation of neural interfaces to clinical applications.
Insights
This study developed a novel coating for neural electrodes that releases minocycline hydrochloride (MH) for 46 days. This bioactive coating simultaneously targets infection, inflammation, and neuroprotection, improving neural interface performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Chronic neural implants face challenges from infection, inflammation, and neuronal loss, limiting device longevity and function.
- Minocycline hydrochloride (MH) is a promising therapeutic agent due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop biocompatible thin film coatings for sustained release of MH from chronically implanted neural electrodes.
- To enhance the long-term performance and reliability of neural prostheses through targeted therapeutic delivery.
Main Methods:
- A novel magnesium binding-mediated, layer-by-layer (LbL) hydrophilic coating was engineered for controlled MH release.
- Characterization of MH loading and release kinetics, including pH sensitivity.
- Evaluation of the anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of the coating and released MH.
Main Results:
- Sustained release of MH for 46 days was achieved from a 1.25 μm thick Mg(2+)-based LbL coating.
- MH release demonstrated pH sensitivity.
- The coating and released MH exhibited significant anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities.
Conclusions:
- First report of a bioactive coating for neural interfaces addressing infection, inflammation, and neuroprotection concurrently.
- This approach holds potential for advancing the clinical translation of neural interface technologies.
