TY - JOUR

T1 - Polymeric barrier membranes for device packaging, diffusive control and biocompatibility

AU - Wasikiewicz, J.M.

AU - Roohpour, N.

AU - Paul, D.

AU - Grahn, M.

AU - Ateh, D.

AU - Rehman, I.

AU - Vadgama, P.

PY - 2008

Y1 - 2008

N2 - Current state-of-the-art implantable micron feature electronic devices are capable of monitoring and stimulating functions in vivo. Within an EU Framework VI project a further step was taken in developing key microsystem technologies and communication methods that could bring intelligence directly to the human interface, in the form of reactive medical implants and ambulatory measurement systems. Information from these devices is planned to be transmitted out into the wider environment for remote processing. However, the packaging of such state-of-the-art devices to enhance tissue biocompatibility, and to protect conducting elements from in vivo corrosion during extended use, along with protecting the body from toxins leaching from implant components, remains a concern. Candidate polymeric barriers as hydration resistant and solute impermeable interfaces to mitigate such major problems of chronic implantation were investigated. Materials studied included silicone rubber, PVC, polyurethane, and diamond-like carbon (DLC). Polymer permeability to water solutes was marginally improved through incorporation of lipid into these structures. Surface biocompatibility was assessed on the basis of protein film deposition in vitro and by cell viability studies in tissue culture. Short-term toxicity was not observed for any of the tested materials, though there were substantial differences in hydration. Additionally, polypyrrole over active electrodes shows feasibility for controlled tissue interfacing whilst retaining electrical conductivity. © 2008.

AB - Current state-of-the-art implantable micron feature electronic devices are capable of monitoring and stimulating functions in vivo. Within an EU Framework VI project a further step was taken in developing key microsystem technologies and communication methods that could bring intelligence directly to the human interface, in the form of reactive medical implants and ambulatory measurement systems. Information from these devices is planned to be transmitted out into the wider environment for remote processing. However, the packaging of such state-of-the-art devices to enhance tissue biocompatibility, and to protect conducting elements from in vivo corrosion during extended use, along with protecting the body from toxins leaching from implant components, remains a concern. Candidate polymeric barriers as hydration resistant and solute impermeable interfaces to mitigate such major problems of chronic implantation were investigated. Materials studied included silicone rubber, PVC, polyurethane, and diamond-like carbon (DLC). Polymer permeability to water solutes was marginally improved through incorporation of lipid into these structures. Surface biocompatibility was assessed on the basis of protein film deposition in vitro and by cell viability studies in tissue culture. Short-term toxicity was not observed for any of the tested materials, though there were substantial differences in hydration. Additionally, polypyrrole over active electrodes shows feasibility for controlled tissue interfacing whilst retaining electrical conductivity. © 2008.

KW - Diamond-like carbon

KW - Polymer packing

KW - Polyurethane

KW - PVC

KW - Silicone

KW - Biocompatibility

KW - Corrosion protection

KW - Electron devices

KW - Hydration

KW - Polypyrroles

KW - Polyurethanes

KW - Polyvinyl chlorides

KW - Silicones

KW - Tissue

KW - Tissue culture

KW - Ambulatory measurement

KW - Chronic implantation

KW - Communication method

KW - Diamond like carbon

KW - Electrical conductivity

KW - Micro-system technologies

KW - State-of-the-art devices

KW - Surface biocompatibility

KW - Polymeric implants

U2 - 10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.06.159

DO - 10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.06.159

M3 - Journal article

VL - 255

SP - 340

EP - 343

JO - Applied Surface Science

JF - Applied Surface Science

SN - 0169-4332

IS - 2

ER -