Modeling External Stimulation of Excitable Cells Using a Novel Light-Activated Organic Semiconductor Technology.

Modeling External Stimulation of Excitable Cells Using a Novel Light-Activated Organic Semiconductor Technology. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2020 Jun 23;271:9-16 Authors: Stoppacher S, Scheruebel S, Üçal M, Kornmüller K, Głowacki E, Schindl R, Shrestha N, Schmidt T, Baumgartner C, Rienmüller T Abstract Optoelectronic neurostimulation is a promising, minimally invasive treatment modality for neuronal damage, in particular for patients with traumatic brain injury. In this work, a newly developed optoelectronic device, a so-called photocap, based on light-activated organic semiconductor structures with high spatial and temporal resolution is investigated. To prove and verify the feasibility of this new technology, a mathematical model was developed, simulating the electrical response of excitable cells to photocap stimulation. In the first step, a comprehensive technical review of the device concept was performed, building the basis for setting up the simulation model. The simulations demonstrate that photocaps may serve as a stimulation device, triggering action potentials in neural or cardiac cells. Our first results show that the model serves as a perfect tool for evaluating and further developing this new technology, showing high potential for introducing new and innovative therapy methods in the field of optoelectronic cell stimulation. PMID: 32578535 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics - Category: Information Technology Tags: Stud Health Technol Inform Source Type: research