Self-organization of "fibro-axonal" composite tissue around unmodified metallic micro-electrodes can form a functioning interface with a peripheral nerve: A new direction for creating long-term neural interfaces.

INTRODUCTION: A long-term peripheral neural interface is an area of intense research. The use of electrode interfaces is limited by the biological response to the electrode material. METHODS: We created an electrode construct to harbor the rat sciatic nerve with interposition of autogenous adipose tissue between the nerve and the electrode. The construct was implanted for 10 weeks. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed a unique laminar pattern of axonal growth layered between fibro-collagenous tissue, forming a physical interface with the tungsten micro-electrode. Action potentials transmitted across the intrerface showed mean conduction velocities varying between 6.99 ± 2.46 and 20.14 ± 4 m/s. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the feasibility of a novel peripheral nerve interface through modulation of normal biologic phenomena. It has potential applications as a chronic implantable neural interface.