Biocompatible Implants and Methods of Making and Attaching the Same

Abstract

The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of securing an implantable prosthesis to living tissue, comprising:
 providing an implantable prosthesis partially or completely covered by a silicone having at least one activated surface, said activated surface being coupled to at least one biocompatible compound capable of binding to one or more integrins; and   allowing the at least one compound to interact with cellular membrane proteins in the tissue, thereby securing the implantable prosthesis to the tissue.   
     
     
         2 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the implantable prosthesis compnses a microelectrode array. 
     
     
         3 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible compound capable of binding to one or more integrins comprises an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide, or a protein containing at least one RGD segment. 
     
     
         4 . A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the compound capable of binding to one or more integrins comprises an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. 
     
     
         5 . A method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the ECM protein is selected from the group consisting of fibronectin, laminin, and collagen. 
     
     
         6 . A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the compound capable of binding to one or more integrins comprises a non-ECM protein. 
     
     
         7 . A method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the non-ECM protein is selected from the group consisting of contortrostatin and vicrostatin. 
     
     
         8 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the living tissue is selected from tissue of the eye, liver, brain, or heart.