Hybrid bioelectrical interface device

Abstract

A hybrid bioelectrical interface (HBI) device can be an implantable device comprising an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions; a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, the biological component being sourced from biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized material; and a conjugated polymer component that together provide a means to chronically interface living neural tissue with electronic devices for extended durations (e.g. greater than 10 years). In some embodiments, conjugated polymers provide a functional electrical interface for charge transfer and signal transduction between the nervous system and an electronic device (e.g. robotic prosthetic limb, retinal implant, microchip).

1 . A hybrid bioelectrical interface device for interfacing living neural tissue with electronic devices comprising:
 an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions;   a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, said biological component being sourced from biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized material; and   a conjugated polymer component interfacing said abiotic component and said biological component, said conjugated polymer component promoting electronic to ionic charge transfer between said abiotic and biological components.   
   
   
       2 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a housing encapsulating at least a portion of said biological component, said conjugated polymer component and said abiotic component. 
   
   
       3 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 2 , wherein said housing comprises a rigid framework, a hydrogel, a permeable membrane, an impermeable membrane or a polymeric material. 
   
   
       4 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises one or more of an electrolyte, a biologically active agent and cells. 
   
   
       5 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 1 , wherein said abiotic component is selected from the group consisting of a wire, an electrode, an electrode array, a microelectrode array or a microelectromechanical system. 
   
   
       6 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 1 , wherein said conjugated polymer component comprises poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(pyrrole), polyanilines, polyacetylenes, poly-3-hexylthiophene, melanins, poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride, poly-4-vinylpyridine, poly(vinylalcohol), polythiophenes, conjugated derivatives thereof, functionalized polymers thereof or polymer blends thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 6 , wherein said conjugated polymer component comprises poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). 
   
   
       8 . The hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 1 , wherein said biological component comprises skeletal myocytes, cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, acellularized tissue, extracellular matrix material (ECM) or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       9 . An implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device for interfacing living neural tissue with electronic devices comprising:
 an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions;   a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, said biological component being biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized;   a conjugated polymer scaffold interfacing said abiotic component and said biological component, said conjugated polymer scaffold promoting electronic to ionic charge transfer between said abiotic and biotic components; and   a housing having an electrolyte, said housing substantially surrounding at least a portion of said biological component, said conjugated polymer scaffold and said abiotic component.   
   
   
       10 . The implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 9 , wherein said housing comprises at least one of a stent, a hydrogel, a permeable membrane, an impermeable membrane or a polymeric material. 
   
   
       11 . The implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 9 , wherein said abiotic component is selected from the group consisting of a wire, an electrode, an electrode array, a microelectrode array or a microelectromechanical system. 
   
   
       12 . The implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 9 , wherein said conjugated polymer component comprises poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(pyrrole), polyanilines, polyacetylenes, poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride, poly-4-vinylpyridine, poly(vinylalcohol), polythiophenes or polymer blends thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 12 , wherein said conjugated polymer is FeCl 4   −  doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and said FeCl 4   −  doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is disposed within or around at least a portion of said biological component. 
   
   
       14 . The implantable hybrid bioelectrical interface device according to  claim 9 , wherein said biological component comprises skeletal myocytes, cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, acellularized tissue, extracellular matrix material (ECM) or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       15 . A hybrid bioelectrical interface (HBI) device comprising:
 an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions;   a acellularized tissue disposed at least partially on said abiotic component;   a conjugated polymer scaffold disposed at least partially within said biological component or at least partially covering said biological component; and   a housing comprising a polymer or a hydrogel material, said housing having a proximal end and a distal end, said housing covering at least a portion of at least one of said abiotic component, said acellularized tissue and said conjugated polymer scaffold.