Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as Parkinson's and epilepsy, cannot currently be cured, only their symptoms alleviated. Deep brain stimulation is a promising approach to improving the quality of life of patients. In this procedure, special neuroelectrodes that deliver electrical impulses to the surrounding tissue are implanted in the affected areas of the brain. After a few years, the stimulation usually diminishes because glial cells shield the electrodes and form a scar. To avoid regular reimplantation of the electrode in other areas, long-term stable neuroelectrodes are needed that suppress glial cell scarring and whose contacts do not age.

Researchers in the IOM research division “Biocompatible and Bioactive Surfaces” are developing such novel electrons with customized surface properties as part of the “NanoElect” project funded by the Sächsische Aufbaubank - SAB. The starting point is conductive titanium dioxide nanotube scaffolds, which have high biocompatibility and a tendency to suppress glial scarring. As part of the technical validation, an innovative tissue culture system for the pig brain is being developed that can also be used in basic and pharmaceutical research. In addition, novel nanotube-based neuroelectrodes with reduced glial scarring are being constructed and tested in naturally grown tissue, and flexible thin-film electrodes for deep brain stimulation are being produced.