Directed Retinal Nerve Cell Growth for Use in a Retinal Prosthesis Interface

Author(s): Leng, Theodore, Peggy Wu, Neville Z. Mehenti, Stacey F. Bent, Michael F. Marmor, Mark S. Blumenkranz, Harvey A. Fishman

Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2004) 45(11): 4132-4137.

Abstract:
Retinal prosthetic devices that use microelectrode arrays to stimulate retinal nerve cells may provide a viable treatment for degenerative retinal diseases. Current devices are based on electrical field-effect stimulation of remaining functional neural elements. However, the distance between target neurons and electrodes limits the potential density of electrodes and the ability to stimulate specific types of retinal neurons that contribute to visual perceptions. This study was conducted to investigate the use of microcontact printing (µCP) to direct cultured or explant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurites to precise and close stimulation positions and to evaluate the cell types that grow from a retinal explant.