动物实验 z-bo 2020-09-17 372

　　Swiss scientists have recently developed a flexible and extensible implantable device that can be directly connected to the spinal cord of a paralyzed laboratory mouse and can walk again with the help of external equipment. The researchers said that the latest equipment is expected to be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries, and ultimately is expected to help paralyzed people regain athletic ability.

　　Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne call this device "e-dura (electronic dura)". The dura is a layer of a thick and tough multilayer film that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Its main function is to protect brain. According to a recent report by the American Fun Science website, this device is made of gold. Although gold is also very soft, it cannot be extended. In order to make gold more elastic, they made it into a layer with a thickness of only 35 nanometers. With small gaps, the gold becomes an extensible network structure.

　　Scientists have conducted a series of experiments on mice to test the performance of this implanted device. The results show that this device can integrate well with the mouse's body, and there is no rejection reaction.

　　They injured the spinal cord of the mouse, and then inserted the e-dura into the dura mater below the injured site, and used the e-dura and electrical stimulation equipment to allow the mouse to receive electrical stimulation and brain serotonin. A few weeks later, with the help of these devices, the paralyzed rats were able to walk again.

　　In addition, they also tested the e-dura's ability to read nerve impulses. They inserted the device into the mouse's motor cortex, where the dura mater is located (this is the area of the brain that controls autonomous movement). Studies have shown that it can "read" signals that the mouse intends to move its legs or stand upright.

　　Previously, researchers have developed prostheses that can control thinking; the US military is also developing implants that can help soldiers with brain damage; implants such as artificial cochlea and cardiac pacemakers have also been popular for several years, making countless Patients benefit, but most of the implants that integrate with the nervous system are placed on the outside of the dura, and e-dura can be placed under the dura and directly contact the nerve tissue.