Summary: Researchers developed innovative materials to improve the performance of brain and heart pacemakers by reducing signal interference. These devices often face challenges from external electromagnetic forces, causing discomfort like headaches for patients.
The team created nanocomposites using polypropylene, clay, and graphene to absorb and disperse energy effectively. Their findings could lead to better pacemaker functionality and inspire advancements in other biomedical devices like hearing aids.
Key Facts:
- Advanced Nanocomposites: The team developed materials combining polypropylene, Montmorillonite clay, and graphene to enhance signal-to-noise performance in pacemakers.
- Noise Mitigation: These materials effectively absorb and reduce electromagnetic interference, addressing common patient complaints like headaches.
- Broader Applications: Beyond pacemakers, this research aims to improve other medical devices, such as hearing aids, by refining biomaterials.
Source: American Institute of Physics
Two years ago, a medical professional approached scientists at the University of Tabriz in Iran with an interesting problem: Patients were having headaches after pacemaker implants.
Working together to investigate, they began to wonder if the underlying issue is the materials used in the pacemakers.
“Managing external noise that affects patients is crucial,” author Baraa Chasib Mezher said. “For example, a person with a brain pacemaker may experience interference from external electrical fields from phones or the sounds of cars, as well as various electromagnetic forces present in daily life.
It is essential to develop novel biomaterials for the outlet gate of brain pacemakers that can effectively handle electrical signals.”
In an article published this week in AIP Advances, from AIP Publishing, Mezher, who is an Iraqi doctoral student studying in Iran, and her colleagues at the Nanostructured and Novel Materials Laboratory at the University of Tabriz created organic materials for brain and heart pacemakers, which rely on uninterrupted signal delivery to be effective.
“We developed nanocomposites that have excellent mechanical properties and can effectively reduce noise,” Mezher said. “For pacemakers, we are interested in understanding how a material absorbs and disperses energy.”
Using a plastic base known as polypropylene, the researchers added a specially formulated clay called Montmorillonite and different ratios of graphene, one of the strongest lightweight materials. They created five different materials that could be performance-tested.
The authors took detailed measurements of the structure of the composite materials using scanning electron microscopy. Their analysis revealed key characteristics that determine the noise-absorption and signal transmission of the material, including the density and distribution of clay and graphene and the sizes of pores in the material.
“Research groups are actively investigating ways to enhance the performance of pacemakers, and our team focuses specifically on the mechanical, thermal, and other properties of these materials,” Mezher said.
The authors measured the signal-to-noise ratio and how the material performs with different levels of noise. They also tested the impact of the material thickness on performance measures.
“The focus of our ongoing work extends beyond simply identifying biocompatible materials for pacemakers; we aim to improve the connection between the generated signal source and the electrodes,” Mezher said.
“Our team is also focused on further developing biomaterials for use within the body, such as materials to enhance the performance of hearing aids.”
About this neurotech research news
Author: Hannah Daniel
Source: American Institute of Physics
Contact: Hannah Daniel – American Institute of Physics
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Enhancing soundproofing performance of polypropylene nanocomposites for implantable electrodes inside the body through graphene and nanoclay; Thermomechanical Analysis” by Baraa Chasib Mezher et al. AIP Advances
Abstract
Enhancing soundproofing performance of polypropylene nanocomposites for implantable electrodes inside the body through graphene and nanoclay; Thermomechanical Analysis
This study explores the creation and evaluation of nanocomposites formed by integrating polypropylene (PP) with montmorillonite nanoclay and graphene nanosheets (GNs).
The nanocomposites were produced via melt blending, utilizing different proportions of clay to GN, ultimately achieving a total loading of 4 wt. %.
The objective is to utilize these materials in brain pacemakers to minimize noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio for brain electrodes.
While past studies have mainly focused on enhancing electrode materials within the brain, little attention has been given to the pacemaker material, particularly at the outlet gate.
This study bridges this gap by investigating the noise-reducing properties of PP nanocomposites. The primary aim was to determine the optimal clay to GN ratio in the PP matrix.
The results indicate that the perforated architecture of the nanocomposite, featuring scattered microspheres within the polypropylene matrix that form an extended channel, facilitates the dissipation of sound waves, rendering it ideal for acoustic insulation in brain pacemakers.
In addition, the nanocomposite composed of 2.75% clay and 1.25% graphene nanosheets in the polypropylene matrix demonstrated a markedly improved signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to other examined nanocomposites.
Moreover, this study examined the impact of adding PP-g-MA on the sound properties of the nanocomposite, revealing that it was not effective for sound absorption due to its more coherent structure.
Various tests were conducted on the nanocomposites to evaluate properties such as tensile strength, elongation percentage, and impact toughness. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis were also carried out to assess dynamic storage modulus and thermal stability.
Overall, the study aimed to explore the thermal and mechanical attributes of the nanocomposites for potential use in brain pacemakers, highlighting the significance of choosing nanocomposites based on ductility characteristics for pacemaker applications.
