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A Hybrid Titanium-Softmaterial, High-Strength, Transparent Cranial Window for Transcranial Injection and Neuroimaging
Nana Yang1, Fengyu Liu2,3, Xinyue Zhang4,5
1Key Laboratory for the Physics & Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Biosensors
|February 24, 2022
Summary
Engineered high-strength hybrid Titanium-Polydimethylsiloxane (Ti-PDMS) cranial windows offer high transparency and penetrability for neuroimaging and drug delivery. These biocompatible windows show promise for advanced brain-computer interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Cranial windows are crucial for neuroimaging and functional studies.
- Existing materials lack a combination of high strength, transparency, and penetrability for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a novel high-strength, transparent, and penetrable cranial window with clinical potential.
- To evaluate the performance and biocompatibility of the new cranial window for various neuroscientific applications.
Main Methods:
- Development of hybrid Titanium-Polydimethylsiloxane (Ti-PDMS) cranial windows using laser scanning and 3D printing.
- Characterization of mechanical strength, optical transmittance, and refractive index.
- Assessment of biocompatibility through 21-week implantation in mice and evaluation of self-sealing properties.
Main Results:
- Ti-PDMS windows exhibit high fracture strength comparable to human skull bone.
- Achieved excellent light transmittance (up to 94.4%) and a refractive index close to biological tissues.
- Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and a 'self-sealing' capability for liquid containment.
Conclusions:
- The novel Ti-PDMS cranial window offers a robust, transparent, and penetrable solution for in vivo neuroimaging and drug delivery.
- This device presents a promising alternative for brain-computer interfaces, optical experiments, and electrophysiology recording.
