Author(s):
1. Duško Dudić, Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866 South A, Serbia

Abstract:
Neural prostheses are implants that allow communication between external hardware and nervous system, they consist of a well-designed electronic circuit and electrodes that are in contact with the nervous tissue. A commonly accepted method of communication between the neural prosthesis and an external device is wireless communication through a radio frequency link, wherein the electrical supply of the prosthesis is achieved by induction in a coil which is part of the prosthesis. The electrical power of the order of a magnitude of 50 mW or more is required for the supply of such designed neural prostheses. The release of heat from the neural prosthesis causes warming of the surrounding tissue, which is a significant problem. In the case of neural prostheses of small dimensions, which is a common requirement, the rise in temperature in the surrounding tissue can reach up to several degrees Celsius. This paper presents a new concept of communication with an electronic implant based on the analysis of the AC current that flows through the part of the body in which the implant is located. The working part of the implant are LC circuits which are able to change the frequency characteristic of the AC current flowing through the implant and the body in the presence of nerve signals. Also, this same concept could enable nerve stimulation. The total electrical power required for the operation of the proposed neural prosthesis is about 10 μW, which is more than three orders of magnitude less than the electrical power required for the operation of a wireless inductively coupled neural prosthesis. The application of this new "dielectric" concept of the work of neural prostheses would eliminate the problem of heating the tissue around the prosthesis.

Key words:
neural prostheses, neural engineering, bioengineering.

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM B - Biomaterials and nanomedicine

Date of abstract submission:
09.07.2019.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2019 - Savremeni Materijali