Transparent implant opens ‘window’ on the brain
pharmafile | September 4, 2013 | News story | Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | UC, YSZ, brain
Researchers have developed a cranial implant that could act as a brain ‘window’, making life-changing procedures safer and easier.
The implant is made from nanocrystalline yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ), a transparent derivative of the same material used in dental crowns and hip implants.
Laser-based diagnostics and therapeutics are emerging areas of promise in the detection and treatment of neurological disorders such as brain cancer and traumatic brain injury.
However, such procedures are limited by the skull’s poor transparency and the consequent need for craniectomies, or removal of sections of the skull.
In a study at the University of California (UC), researchers found that a stronger optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal passed through YSZ compared to skull tissue.
The implication is that a permanent YSZ cranial implant, replacing a section of skull, could facilitate regular brain assessment and laser-based therapy.
Such an implant would be beneficial for individuals with long-term neurological conditions, reducing the need for repeated invasive surgery.
UC associate professor of biomedical sciences Devin Binder said: “This is a crucial first step towards an innovative new concept that would provide a clinically-viable means for optically accessing the brain, on-demand, over large areas, and on a chronically-recurring basis.”
Fellow UC colleague Guillermo Aguilar, added: “This is a case of a science fiction sounding idea becoming science fact, with strong potential for positive impact on patients.”
Transparent cranial implants have been developed before – however, YSZ offers the first option that would be safe for human use.
The material is considerably more resistant to shock and damage, and has a proven track record of human tolerability from its use in other types of implant.
Using YSZ would also reduce the need for patients with cranial implants to wear conspicuous protective headwear.
Results from the UC study were recently published in academic journal Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine. The research follows the announcement of a US government-backed project called Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN).
The initiative aims to map the human brain’s complex neural circuits. The researchers at UC believe YSZ implant technology could be deployed effectively to aid the project’s imaging efforts.
Hugh McCafferty
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