UK researchers awarded grants to develop bioelectronic devices: soft implants; and a new cancer killing (electric) approach (medical innovation)
Imperial College London: developing soft polymer bioelectronics, to be used in devices such as cochlear implants, bionic eyes and brain-machine interfaces. The aim is to develop the polymer to help improve cell interactions, prevent rejection and minimise scar formation.
University of Nottingham is developing new bioelectronic devices which can treat diseases such as cancer, without the need for invasive surgery.
The device works by applying a current to modulate cell proteins and stimulate communication. "By inputting electric fields, we plan on modulating electron transfer, which can then be used to sense and actuate chemical reactions. We've demonstrated that cancer cells efflux electrons and metabolise more quickly and grow faster than normal tissues. If you can modulate that external electron flux electrically, we may be able to treat cancer." There are plans to develop nanotechnology and use conducting nanoparticles to cause a modification in cells' metabolism, triggering it to kill itself. By using wireless electrochemistry to self-assemble conductive wires around brain tumours, cancer patients’ lives could be extended.
The plan is to develop a wearable device that modulates electric fields and targets the area of disease.
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