Development of a Three-Dimensional Nerve Stretch Growth Device towards an Implantable Neural Interface

Because of rising traumatic accidents and diseases, the number of patients suffering from nerve injury is increasing. Without effective rehabilitation therapy, the patients will get motor or sensory function losses or even a lifelong disability. As for amputees, neural interface technology can be used to splice nerves and electrical wires together in a way that allows them to control an artificial limb as if it was a natural extension of the body. However, the means the need for an autologous nerve to stimulate axonal regeneration and extension into target tissues, which are limited by the supply of donor nerves. Based on the principle of mechanical force regulating axon growth, in this paper, we developed a three-dimensional nerve stretch growth device for an implantable neural interface. The device consists of three motors controlled by single chip microcomputer and some mechanical parts. The stability and reliability of the device were tested. Then, we used neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells by small chemical molecules to explore the optimal three-dimensional stretch culture parameters. Furthermore, we found that the axons were intact through 10 rotations per day and 1 mm of horizontal pulling per day. The results of this research will provide convenience for patients treated through an implantable neural interface.