SURFACE MODIFICATION FOR BIOCOMPATIBILITY

NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 4, January 28, 1994



RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-94-04



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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke



The Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institute of

Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of

Health, is seeking a contract to create surfaces on implantable

silicon microstructures for the purpose of controlling the

interaction of neurons, glia, and related cells and their protein

products with the microstructure.  Biomaterials that penetrate into

the central nervous system as the microscopic electrode shafts of the

neural prostheses interact with neural and other tissues on a

cellular and molecular level.  In order to achieve tight coupling

between these implanted microelectrodes and the target neural

substrate, this interaction must be understood and controlled.  This

contract supported research will study these interactions with a

long-term goal of rationally designing microelectrode surfaces to

promote specific tissue interactions.  The efficiency of these

microelectrodes depends on the micro environment around stimulating

sites.  The surface of the microelectrodes and the proteins that

adsorb to this surface have a major impact on the way in which

different cell populations react to the implant.  Neural growth cones

are sent out from many neurons around a microelectrode following

implantation.  With appropriate surfaces it may be possible to get

selected neurons to send processes directly to the microelectrodes.

This study will investigate cellular and molecular responses to

specific surface modifications of silicon microelectrodes.  Personnel

with established expertise in cell biology and surface science are

needed.  It is anticipated that one award will be made for a period

of three years.  Award is anticipated for September 1994.



INQUIRIES



This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP).  RFP NIH-NINDS-94-04 will

be issued on or about February 1, 1994 with proposals due on April 4,

1994.  To receive a copy of the RFP, submit a written request along

with two self-addressed mailing labels to:



Laurie Leonard

Contracts Management Branch

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Federal Building, Room 901

7550 Wisconsin Avenue

Bethesda, MD  20892

ATTN:  RFP NIH-NINDS-94-04



All responsible sources shall be considered by the agency.



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