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Experimental Testing of Bionic Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Interfaces: Animal Model Considerations
Martin Aman1,2, Konstantin D Bergmeister1,2, Christopher Festin1
1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Preclinical animal models are crucial for bionic prosthesis development. A combination of small and large animal studies provides essential data for long-term human application safety and functionality.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate control of bionic prostheses relies on effective man-machine interfaces.
- Implantable electrodes offer increased reliability and bandwidth for neural and muscular interfacing.
- Preclinical in-vivo testing is essential to evaluate biocompatibility and functionality of implantable devices before human application.
Approach:
- A PRISMA-guided literature analysis identified animal models used for recording neural/muscular activity via implantable electrodes.
- Evaluated models based on group size, duration, origin, and interface type.
- Analyzed behavioral, ethical, economic considerations, and surgical approaches in rat, sheep, and primate models.
Key Points:
- 343 studies were analyzed, predominantly from the US and Europe, with rats being the most common small animal model (40%).
- Neural electrode placement (77%) was more common than muscular (23%).
- Chronic tests (>3 months) constituted only 37% of the models, limiting long-term performance data.
Conclusions:
- Large animal models are significantly more expensive (up to 45x) but provide longer study durations (mean 135 days) compared to small animals (mean 85 days).
- Costs of animal models are minimal compared to potential long-term complication costs in humans.
- A combined approach using small animals for initial electrode testing and large animals for long-term biocompatibility and tissue response assessment is recommended for ensuring safe human applications.
