Advisor(s)

Shashi Krishna Murthy

Contributor(s)

Rebecca L. Carrier, Daniel D. Burkey, Robert B. Campbell

Date of Award

2009

Date Accepted

12-2009

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department or Academic Unit

College of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, neurosciences

Subject Categories

Implants, Artificial--Materials

Disciplines

Chemical Engineering

Abstract

Tissue interfacing with biocompatible surfaces can be utilized to dictate key aspects of cell behavior in the vicinity of biomedical devices such as neural implants. Consequently, engineering implant materials that interact with the brain tissue used in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders becomes vital. This thesis emphasized on developing novel coatings (biopassive and bioactive) for neurological implants such as neuro-motor prostheses (NMP) and ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts. NMPs are silicon-based devices that record electric potentials from neurons in the CNS and are currently under development as potential therapies for stroke and paralysis. One major challenge in the fabrication of these devices is to design protective coatings for the electronic components. In this work, a novel insulating coating possessing good insulation characteristics and production rate amenable for commercialization was synthesized. These coatings were subsequently subjected to a physiologically relevant biocompatibility test and showed enhanced compatibility compared to conventional materials. On the other hand, the loss of connectivity between probes and neurons due to a chronic foreign body response by the CNS is a well-known problem. A bioactive coating that enhances neuron adhesion and neurite outgrowth was developed in a cell line as well as in a primary neuron model. With respect to VP shunts, it is known that shunt occlusion occurs due to proliferation of reactive cells leading to multiple shunt revisions (MSR) in hydrocephalus patients. Our findings suggest that covalently conjugating a pancreatic enzyme-trypsin on the material used for the fabrication of VP shunts can mitigate reactive cell adhesion, growth as well as bio-fouling.

Document Type

Dissertation

Rights Information

Copyright 2009

Rights Holder

Anil Kumar Harapanahalli Achyuta


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