Journal article
Promoting neurite outgrowth from spiral ganglion neuron explants using polypyrrole/BDNF-coated electrodes
Alison J Evans, Brianna C Thompson, Gordon G Wallace, Rodney Millard, Stephen J O'Leary, Graeme M Clark, Robert K Shepherd, Rachael T Richardson
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A | WILEY | Published : 2009
DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.32228
Abstract
Release of neurotrophin-3 (NT3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from hair cells in the cochlea is essential for the survival of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Loss of hair cells associated with a sensorineural hearing loss therefore results in degeneration of SGNs, potentially reducing the performance of a cochlear implant. Exogenous replacement of either or both neurotrophins protects SGNs from degeneration after deafness. We previously incorporated NT3 into the conducting polymer polypyrrole (Ppy) synthesized with para-toluene sulfonate (pTS) to investigate whether Ppy/pTS/NT3-coated cochlear implant electrodes could provide both neurotrophic support and electrical stimulatio..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Contract grant sponsors: Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne; Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation; John T Reid Charitable Trusts; Royal National Institute for Deaf People; Pierce Armstrong Foundation; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science