Mimicking Human Laryngeal Tissues for a Soft Artificial Prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• The larynx is crucial for breathing, swallowing, and voice production.
• Total laryngectomy, a standard treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer, leads to significant patient morbidity.
• Current solutions for voice restoration after laryngectomy are inadequate, highlighting the need for an artificial larynx.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a full-scale benchtop prototype of an artificial larynx.
• To replicate the anatomical structures and mechanical properties of the natural larynx.
• To advance the development of an implantable artificial larynx for laryngectomee patients.

Main Methods:

• Biomimetic design based on identified laryngeal structures and movements.
• Material selection with mechanical properties matching natural laryngeal cartilages and elastic cone.
• Fabrication of a full-scale benchtop prototype integrating artificial vocal folds.

Main Results:

• Successful reproduction of anatomical structures using biomimetic materials.
• Creation of a functional benchtop prototype of an artificial larynx.
• Generation of quantitative data on the mechanical characteristics of artificial laryngeal components.

Conclusions:

• The developed artificial larynx prototype represents a significant advancement in artificial organ technology.
• This work provides crucial data on laryngeal component mechanics, previously unreported.
• The prototype is a fundamental step towards an implantable total artificial larynx, potentially improving patient quality of life.