First bioelectronic device regenerates nerves in rats

Materials scientists and engineers at Northwestern University, Illinois and neurosurgeons at Washington University developed the device that delivers regular pulses of electricity to damaged peripheral nerves in rats after a surgical repair process. This, they claim, accelerated regrowth of nerves in their legs and enhanced the ultimate recovery of muscle strength and control. The wireless device, which is the size of a small coin and as thick as a sheet of paper, operates for about two weeks before being absorbed into the body.

Such transient engineered technology, which is described in Nature Medicine, could eventually complement or replace pharmaceutical treatments for medical conditions in humans, the team envisions.

Furthermore, bioelectronic medicine is said to provide therapy and treatment over a clinically relevant period of time and directly at the site where it's needed, which reduces side effects or risks associated with conventional, permanent implants.

"These engineered systems provide active, therapeutic function in a programmable, dosed format and then naturally disappear into the body, without a trace," said Northwestern's John A Rogers, a co-senior author of the study. "This approach to therapy allows one to think about options that go beyond drugs and chemistry."