Organic Bioelectronics For Neurotransmitter Release At The Speed Of Life

The signaling dynamics in neuronal networks includes processes ranging from lifelong neuromodulation to direct synaptic neurotransmission. In chemical synapses, the time delay it takes to pass a signal from one neuron to the next lasts for less than a millisecond. At the post-synaptic neuron, further signaling is either up- or down-regulated, dependent on the specific neurotransmitter and receptor. While this up- and down-regulation of signals usually runs perfectly well and enables complex performance, even a minor dysfunction of this signaling system can cause major complications, in the shape of neurological disorders. The field of organic bioelectronics has the ability to interface neurons with high spatiotemporal recording and stimulation techniques. Local chemical stimulation, i.e. local release of neurotransmitters, enables the possibility of artificially altering the chemical environment in dysfunctional signaling pathways to regain or restore neural function. To successfully interface the biological nervous system with electronics, a range of demands must be met. Organic bioelectronic techniques and materials are capable of reaching the demands on the biological as well as the electronic side of the interface. These demands span from high performance biocompatible materials, to miniaturized and specific device architectures, and high dose control on demand within milliseconds. The content of this thesis is a continuation of the development of organic bioelectronic devices for neurotransmitter delivery. Organic materials are utilized to electrically control the dose of charged neurotransmitters by translating electric charge into controlled artificial release. The first part of the thesis, Papers 1 and 2, includes further development of the resistor-type release device called the organic electronic ion pump. This part includes material evaluation, microfluidic incorporation, and device design considerations. The aim for the second part of this thesis, Papers 3 and 4, is to enhance temporal performance, i.e. reduce the delay between electrical signal and neurotransmitter delivery to corresponding delay in biological neural signaling, while retaining tight dosage control. Diffusion of neurotransmitters between nerve cells is a slow process, but since it is restricted to short distances, the total time delay is short. In our organic bioelectronic devices, several orders of magnitude in speed can be gained by switching from lateral to vertical delivery geometries. This is realized by two different types of vertical diodes combined with a lateral preload and waste configuration. The vertical diode assembly was further expanded with a control electrode that enables individual addressing in each of several combined release sites. These integrated circuits allow for release of neurotransmitters with high on/off release ratios, approaching delivery times on par with biological neurotransmission.

Wearable Bioelectronics presents the latest on physical and (bio)chemical sensing for wearable electronics. It covers the miniaturization of bioelectrodes and high-throughput biosensing platforms while also presenting a systemic approach for the development of electrochemical biosensors and bioelectronics for biomedical applications. The book addresses the fundamentals, materials, processes and devices for wearable bioelectronics, showcasing key applications, including device fabrication, manufacturing, and healthcare applications. Topics covered include self-powering wearable bioelectronics, electrochemical transducers, textile-based biosensors, epidermal electronics and other exciting applications. Includes comprehensive and systematic coverage of the most exciting and promising bioelectronics, processes for their fabrication, and their applications in healthcare Reviews innovative applications, such as self-powering wearable bioelectronics, electrochemical transducers, textile-based biosensors and electronic skin Examines and discusses the future of wearable bioelectronics Addresses the wearable electronics market as a development of the healthcare industry

Intended for use by advanced undergraduate, graduate and medical students, this book presents a study of the unique biochemical and physiological properties of neurons, emphasising the molecular mechanisms that generate and regulate their activity.

Despite the vital importance of the emerging area of biotechnology and its role in defense planning and policymaking, no definitive book has been written on the topic for the defense policymaker, the military student, and the private-sector bioscientist interested in the "emerging opportunities market" of national security. This edited volume is intended to help close this gap and provide the necessary backdrop for thinking strategically about biology in defense planning and policymaking. This volume is about applications of the biological sciences, here called "biologically inspired innovations," to the military. Rather than treating biology as a series of threats to be dealt with, such innovations generally approach the biological sciences as a set of opportunities for the military to gain strategic advantage over adversaries. These opportunities range from looking at everything from genes to brains, from enhancing human performance to creating renewable energy, from sensing the environment around us to harnessing its power.

The book provides a single volume covering detailed descriptions about various delivery systems, their principles and how these are put in use for the treatment of multiple diseases. It is divided into four sections where the first section deals with the introduction and importance of novel drug delivery system. The second section deals with the most advanced drug delivery systems like microbubbles, dendrimers, lipid-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, microemulsions etc., describing the major principles and techniques of the preparations of the drug delivery systems. The third section elaborates on the treatments of diverse diseases like cancer, topical diseases, tuberculosis etc. The fourth and final section provides a brief informative description about the regulatory aspects of novel drug delivery system that is followed in various countries.

Here the renowned editor Evgeny Katz has chosen contributions that cover a wide range of examples and issues in implantable bioelectronics, resulting in an excellent overview of the topic. The various implants covered include biosensoric and prosthetic devices, as well as neural and brain implants, while ethical issues, suitable materials, biocompatibility, and energy-harvesting devices are also discussed. A must-have for both newcomers and established researchers in this interdisciplinary field that connects scientists from chemistry, material science, biology, medicine, and electrical engineering.

Advances in technology have produced a range of on-body sensors and smartwatches that can be used to monitor a wearer’s health with the objective to keep the user healthy. However, the real potential of such devices not only lies in monitoring but also in interactive communication with expert-system-based cloud services to offer personalized and real-time healthcare advice that will enable the user to manage their health and, over time, to reduce expensive hospital admissions. To meet this goal, the research challenges for the next generation of wearable healthcare devices include the need to offer a wide range of sensing, computing, communication, and human–computer interaction methods, all within a tiny device with limited resources and electrical power. This Special Issue presents a collection of six papers on a wide range of research developments that highlight the specific challenges in creating the next generation of low-power wearable healthcare sensors.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Repair Strategies provides researchers the latest information on potential regenerative approaches to spinal cord injury, specifically focusing on therapeutic approaches that target regeneration, including cell therapies, controlled drug delivery systems, and biomaterials. Dr. Giuseppe Perale and Dr. Filippo Rossi lead a team of authoritative authors in academia and industry in this innovative reference on the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This book presents all the information readers need to understand the current and potential array of techniques, materials, applications and their benefits for spinal cord repair. Covers current and future repair strategies for spinal cord injury repair Focuses on key research trends, clinics, biology and engineering Provides fundamentals on regenerative engineering and tissue engineering