Neural stimulation device employing renewable chemical stimulation
First Claim
1. A neural stimulation device comprising:
- (i) an uptake component comprising means for selectively transporting a first species into the device, wherein the first species is a stimulating species;
(ii) a release component comprising means for releasing the stimulating species; and
(iii) means for producing a concentration gradient of a second species, wherein the concentration gradient of the second species provides energy to transport the stimulating species into the device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A variety of neural stimulation devices are disclosed. The devices comprise an uptake component comprising means for selectively transporting a stimulating species into the device; a release component comprising means for releasing the stimulating species; and means for producing a concentration gradient of a second species. The concentration gradient of the second species provides energy to transport the stimulating species into the device. The stimulating species may be an ion, e.g., a potassium ion, or a neurotransmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the stimulating species is a potassium ion. In a second preferred embodiment the stimulating species is dopamine. In certain embodiments of the invention countertransport across an uptake component comprising a synthetic ABA polymer membrane is achieved using a carboxylic acid crown ether. The gradient of the second species may be provided by means of a chemical reaction that takes place inside the device. The substrate for the chemical reaction is transported into the device from the external environment. In certain embodiments the neural stimulation device comprises light-sensitive elements that comprise light-sensitive proton pumps. The proton pumps translocate protons into the device in response to light, thereby triggering release of the stimulating species. In certain embodiments the neural stimulation device comprises electronic components that receive a signal and send an activating input to the device, thereby triggering release of the stimulating species.
-
Citations
43 Claims
-
1. A neural stimulation device comprising:
-
(i) an uptake component comprising means for selectively transporting a first species into the device, wherein the first species is a stimulating species;
(ii) a release component comprising means for releasing the stimulating species; and
(iii) means for producing a concentration gradient of a second species, wherein the concentration gradient of the second species provides energy to transport the stimulating species into the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
-
- 40. A method of accumulating a stimulating species inside a neural stimulation device comprising transporting the stimulating species into the device using energy obtained from transport of a second species from inside the device to outside the device down its concentration gradient.
Specification