MISIS: Biocompatible device for mounting on the skull

Main article: Human brain

2025: Obtaining a Patent

Scientists at MISIS University have patented a device for long-term attachment of electrodes to the skull of mammals. This development will empower scientists and neurosurgeons in the study of spinal cord tissue and peripheral nerve regeneration as well as stimulation. After the successful completion of research, the accumulated experience can be used to more effectively treat epilepsy, neurological disorders and to suppress phantom pain. The university announced this on February 19, 2025.

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Фото: MISIS

A promising direction in the treatment of brain damage brain is electrical stimulation of nerve tissue through implanted electrodes. Similar methods have been actively included in clinical practice in recent decades. Due to the similar anatomy of the skull and bone regeneration in higher primates and humans, the technique is primarily investigated at the first. Cognitive the abilities of the former allow them to disable implantable devices. Biologists and neurosurgeons had a need to create a mechanism that would protect the inserted electrode and allow a successful examination.

To this end, scientists at NUST MISIS have created an osteointegrable mount, thanks to which the electrode sealingly adjoins the skull of a mammal and does not interfere with normal functioning. It protects protruding elements from damage and inflammation, minimizes the formation of fibrous tissue and reduces the risk of rejection. The mechanism fully repeats the shape of the cranial box surface at the adjacent point, which increases the contact area, and with it - the stability of the device. Bioactive ceramics in the composition stimulate the formation of new bone tissue and the "fusion" of attachment with the bones of the skull at the site of adjacency, minimizes the risk of fibrous tissue formation. Implanted material becomes part of the body's natural structure.

The housing is made of biocompatible polymer with high impact strength, which allows to remove the main load during installation and operation. The substrate of the device stimulates the growth of bone tissue and vessels deep into the implanted structure. This reduces the risk of electrode damage. After the successful completion of research, the accumulated experience can be applied to more effective treatment of people, - explained Sergei Zhirnov, engineer of the scientific project of the laboratory of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at NUST MISIS.

For February 2025, together with the Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies of the FMBA of Russia, the next generation of a fastening device is being tested, which will ensure the long-term installation of electrodes through soft tissues.