A new neuroimplant has been developed at NITU MISIS for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Obtaining a patent confirms the high level of inventiveness of the product and brings closer the possibility of launching production of a neuroimplant aimed at assisting individuals. Severe spinal cord injuries disrupt signal transmission through nerve tissues, leading to irreversible loss of organ functionality, paralysis, and are rarely treatable. The main therapeutic methods are surgical intervention and symptomatic medication.

However, this approach does not ensure tissue regeneration and is unable to fully halt the inflammatory processes that disrupt the entire nervous system. To address this issue, scientists at the MISIS University have developed a neuroimplant made from hybrid materials based on a water-soluble polymer, which can be combined with medicinal substances or cell therapy.

“The design consists of two substrates: a lattice structure and directed submicron fibers. The first layer is intended to replace the connective tissue of the spinal cord for cell adhesion and growth. The second layer promotes directed healing of nerve tissue. This combination allows the implant to be securely fixed on the damaged surface and, upon releasing the medication, dissolves within the body, eliminating the need for a repeat operation and minimizing complications,” explained Eleonora Zelenova, co-author of the patent and employee of the scientific and educational laboratory of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at MISIS University.

Together with the "Health Engineering" consortium, preclinical studies were conducted to ensure that the development meets the required standards and is ready for implementation in medical practice. The patent is necessary to move beyond the laboratory and make the innovations accessible to patients.

“We are actively working on creating new solutions in the field of health engineering, developing technologies that can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals. This research focuses on integrating advanced materials into the neuromodulation system for medical diagnostics and therapy. We are open to collaboration; it is crucial that our development reaches mass production soon and helps patients,” said Fedor Senatov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at MISIS University.

The development of neurotechnologies is one of the key directions of the strategic project at MISIS University titled "Biomedical Materials and Bioengineering" under the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia’s "Priority-2030" program.

Rector of MISIS University Alevtina Chernikova added: “In 2019, MISIS University developed and has successfully implemented the integrated master's-PhD program in ‘Biomaterials Science’ for the sixth year. Students from the first year of the master's program participate in scientific research, publish articles in highly cited journals, work on projects funded by scientific grants, and register patents for inventions. Ten out of eleven graduates from this year’s master's program have entered PhD programs, where they continue to work on their innovative projects.

The patented neuroimplant, created by young researchers at MISIS University under the guidance of talented scientist Fedor Senatov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, will help restore motor functions, accelerate tissue recovery, and improve the quality of life for many patients.

Earlier, a team of students and PhD candidates from MISIS University won the IV Moscow International Festival of Student Entrepreneurship’s competition with their neuroimplant development project, “Moscow - Starting Point” in 2024.