MIT: Fiber optic for pain relief

2023: Product Announcement

On October 19, 2023, US researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported the development of a hydrogel-based soft optical fiber that can be used to relieve pain. This implantable device, scientists believe, will also help in the study of the causes of pain associated with the work of peripheral nerves.

As of 2023, there are no effective ways to treat peripheral neuropathy - peripheral nerve damage, which is accompanied by sensitivity disorders of varying severity, pain, muscle weakness, atrophy and other symptoms. Meanwhile, it is estimated that over 20 million people suffer from this disease in the United States alone. The development of MIT specialists is expected to provide valuable information about the disease.

MIT scientists develop hydrogel-based optical fiber that can stop pain

The implantable fiber acts on the peripheral nerves by means of light, which makes it possible to stimulate or inhibit their activity. Thus, pain can be suppressed. The hydrogel at the base of the new fiber is an elastic biocompatible mixture of polymers and water. The ratio of materials is selected to produce tiny crystals of polymers scattered across a jelly-like solution. The product consists of two layers - a core and an outer shell with a certain arrangement of crystals. The layers have different refractive indices, and together they prevent the leakage or scattering of light passing through the fiber.

Implantable fibre has softness, elasticity and transparency. It can stretch along with the tissues of the body, due to which it does not constrain movements and does not damage nearby structures. Experiments in mice have shown that through stimulation through light waves, rodents become much less sensitive to pain.^[1]

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