A BIOCOMPATIBLE GLASS-ENCAPSULATED TRIAXIAL FORCE SENSOR FOR IMPLANTABLE TACTILE SENSING APPLICATIONS

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Robotics

Background:

• Paralyzed individuals often lack tactile sensation, hindering hand function.
• Current prosthetic and assistive technologies have limitations in restoring natural touch feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microfabricated, implantable triaxial capacitive force sensor for restoring tactile sensing.
• To create a biocompatible and hermetically sealed sensing system for subdermal use.

Main Methods:

• Microfabrication of a triaxial capacitive force sensor using fused silica.
• Encapsulation of the sensor and electronic components within a hermetic glass package.
• Testing the sensor's response to forces simulating natural hand actions.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated appropriate responses to forces encountered during grasping actions.
• The fully encapsulated glass design ensures biocompatibility and hermetic sealing for implantation.
• Integration of additional electronic components within the package is feasible.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor shows promise for restoring tactile feedback in patients with hand paralysis.
• The implantable tactile sensing system can significantly improve the dexterity and control of prosthetic hands.
• Further development could lead to more intuitive and functional neuroprosthetic devices.