Phenotypic Screening of Prospective Analgesics Among FDA-Approved Compounds using an iPSC-Based Model of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Nociception.

Classical target-based drug screening is low-throughput, largely subjective, and costly. Phenotypic screening based on in vitro models is increasingly being used to identify candidate compounds that modulate complex cell/tissue functions. Chronic inflammatory nociception, and subsequent chronic pain conditions, affect peripheral sensory neuron activity (e.

Advances in Implantable Microelectrode Array Insertion and Positioning.

Objectives: Microelectrode arrays offer a means to probe the functional circuitry of the brain and the promise of cortical neuroprosthesis for individuals suffering from paralysis or limb loss. These devices are typically comprised of one or more shanks incorporating microelectrode sites, where the shanks are positioned by inserting the devices along a straight path that is normal to the brain surface. The lack of consistent long-term chronic recording technology has driven interest in novel probe design and approaches that go beyond the standard insertion approach that is limited to a single velocity or axis.

Liquid crystal elastomers as substrates for 3D, robust, implantable electronics.

New device architectures favorable for interaction with the soft and dynamic biological tissue are critical for the design of indwelling biosensors and neural interfaces. For the long-term use of such devices within the body, it is also critical that the component materials resist the physiological harsh mechanical and chemical conditions. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of mechanically and chemically robust 3D implantable electronics.