Microelectronic neural bridging of toad nerves to restore leg function

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.06.008

Abstract

Abstract:

The present study used a microelectronic neural bridge comprised of electrode arrays for neural signal detection, functional electrical stimulation, and a microelectronic circuit including signal amplifying, processing, and functional electrical stimulation to bridge two separate nerves, and to restore the lost function of one nerve. The left leg of one spinal toad was subjected to external mechanical stimulation and functional electrical stimulation driving. The function of the left leg of one spinal toad was regenerated to the corresponding leg of another spinal toad using a microelectronic neural bridge. Oscilloscope tracings showed that the electromyographic signals from controlled spinal toads were generated by neural signals that controlled the spinal toad, and there was a delay between signals. This study demonstrates that microelectronic neural bridging can be used to restore neural function between different injured nerves.

Key words: neural regeneration, basic research, microelectronic neural bridge, electromyographic signal, coherence function, nerve injury, spinal reflex arc, spinal toad, grants-supported paper, photographs-containing paper, neuroregeneration

Xiaoyan Shen, Zhigong Wang, Xiaoying Lv, Zonghao Huang. Microelectronic neural bridging of toad nerves to restore leg function[J]. Neural Regeneration Research, 2013, 8(6): 546-553.

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