Extracellular matrix-based intracortical microelectrodes: Toward a microfabricated neural interface based on natural materials.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based implantable neural electrodes (NEs) were achieved using a microfabrication strategy on natural-substrate-based organic materials. The ECM-based design minimized the introduction of non-natural products into the brain. Further, it rendered the implants sufficiently rigid for penetration into the target brain region and allowed them subsequently to soften to match the elastic modulus of brain tissue upon exposure to physiological conditions, thereby reducing inflammatory strain fields in the tissue.

Modulation of lubricin biosynthesis and tissue surface properties following cartilage mechanical injury.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of injurious compression on the biosynthesis of lubricin at different depths within articular cartilage and to examine alterations in structure and function of the articular surface following mechanical injury.

Methods: Bovine cartilage explants were subdivided into level 1, with intact articular surface, and level 2, containing middle and deep zone cartilage. Following mechanical injury, lubricin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were monitored by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and soluble or cartilage-associated lubricin protein was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.