Inﬂuence of Biphasic Stimulation on Olfactory Ensheathing Cells for Neuroprosthetic Devices

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2016 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00432 · Published: October 4, 2016

Simple Explanation

Living-electrode systems are proposed as a means of encouraging better interactions between chronically implanted neuroprosthetic devices and target neural tissue. The following study sought to understand the inﬂuence of biphasic electrical stimulation (ES), inherent to bionic devices, on cell survival and function, with respect to conventional metallic and developmental conductive hydrogel (CH) coated electrodes. This paper aims to examine the inﬂuence of clinically relevant levels of biphasic stimulation on the viability and functionality of OECs cultured on both CH and Pt electrode materials.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Murine OECs extracted from 5-week-old Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
For the same current input, there was a signiﬁcantly lower average voltage recorded across the CH samples (147 ± 3 mV) compared to the voltage across the Pt samples (317 ± 5 mV).
2
While there were fewer OECs harvested from the CH electrodes under passive and Low Stim conditions, these cells appeared to have a higher average percentage of living cells (91–93%) compared to the Pt (78–81%).
3
Upon application of stimulation the neurite outgrowth from PC12s cultured with OECs was increased.

Research Summary

The inﬂuence of electrode materials on OEC viability and functionality under biphasic stimulation was examined. Biphasic stimulation at these levels had no negative impact on the cell health of the OECs, with CH coated electrodes having slightly higher percentage of living cells compared to the Pt electrodes. Co-cultures of PC12s and OECs suggest that NGF is produced by the OECs and these glial cells do support the diﬀerentiation of neural cells under biphasic stimulation.

Practical Implications

Improved Cell Survival

Conductive hydrogel (CH) coated electrodes support a higher percentage of living olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) compared to platinum (Pt) electrodes under biphasic electrical stimulation, suggesting CH materials are less harmful to cells.

Enhanced Neural Differentiation

OECs, especially when stimulated, support the differentiation of PC12 cells into neural phenotypes, indicating the potential for OECs to promote neural regeneration in neuroprosthetic applications.

Living Electrode Systems

The findings support the development of living electrode systems incorporating OECs and CH coatings to improve the interface between neuroprosthetic devices and neural tissue.

Study Limitations

1
Quantification of biochemical factors generated by OECs was not possible using the available equipment.
2
The mechanism by which differentiation of PC12 cells occurs is still unclear.
3
Electrical stimulation did not show increased output of NGF.

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