Use microelectrodes to bring drugs into the brain

People have implanted microelectrodes in the patient's brain to regulate and alleviate symptoms of neuropathy (eg Parkinson's disease). But if you include microelectrode drugs, the microelectrodes can open new possibilities for treating brain disease.

Going in this direction, a team of researchers has found a polymer-coated microelectrode that can simultaneously control and cure, alter, and even save some patients with neurological diseases. such as epilepsy.

Using microelectrodes to bring drugs into the brain can open new possibilities for treating brain disease.

In this case, the microelectrodes are inserted into certain locations in the brain coated with a completely harmless polymer membrane with a conductive polypyrol body. The voids under the polymer membrane contain medicaments and neurotransmitters such as dopamine or GABA.

Under the action of electric current introduced by peripheral devices, the polymer shrinks, releasing an amount of medication into the right place. The process is closely monitored through electrical signals reflected on the meters because any interference in the brain can cause unwanted consequences. Although the initial success has been achieved, scientists continue to study and complete the method.

To avoid having to fill the polymer layer after each use (and often use new microelectrodes), the team is looking to create on the microelectrode a container for gradual use in the form of nanotubes. carbon.