The chemo-retina-prosthetic device is designed to restore vision in patients suffering from retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. It consists of a video camera mounted on goggles that capture images, convert them into electrical signals, and transmit these signals to an implanted multielectrode array chip. The chip is embedded with chemical reservoirs that inject chemicals near targeted neurons to mimic natural visual signals.
Figure (1) Schematic illustrating Chemoretina: Vision Restoration Using Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Modulators
Several hereditary degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) etc., cause structural and functional damage to neurons in the retina. Patients afflicted with these diseases gradually lose their vision and become legally blind within a short period. Of these diseases, RP is primarily characterised by progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells leading to loss of phototransduction apparatus. Researchers from IIT Bombay have explored the possibility of stimulating retinal bipolar cells in an attempt to restore vision.
- Lamotrigine causes ERG abnormalities: Intra-vitreal injection of the sodium channel blocker Lamotrigine results in electronegative electroretinogram (ERG) responses in rats and goldfish.
- Signal disruption at photoreceptor-bipolar cell level: This suggests a disruption in signal transmission between photoreceptors and bipolar cells.
- Exploring bipolar cell stimulation: Researchers aim to stimulate retinal bipolar cells (RBCs) to potentially restore visual function.
- Studying RBC responses to light: RBC responses to various types and patterns of light are being studied in both healthy and degenerating retinas.
- Role of sodium currents in visual signalling: Sodium currents are crucial for transmitting visual signals from photoreceptors to ganglion cells via bipolar cells.
- Investigating sodium channel modulators: The effect of voltage-gated sodium channel modulators on RBC signalling is under investigation.
The prototype includes a camera system mounted on eyewear, a radiofrequency transmitter, and an implanted multielectrode array chip with chemical reservoirs. The array is placed subretinally, and the reservoirs release VGSC modulators to stimulate the neurons. The device has been tested for effective osseointegration and neural differentiation, demonstrating promising results in preclinical settings.
Primary research is done. The researchers welcome partners to drive the feasibility tests towards human and animal trials.
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One in 750 adults and 13 in every 740 adults in rural central and south India, respectively, are affected by RP. The research team envisages a tremendous societal impact if their idea can be taken to the market level.
- Medical Devices for Vision Restoration: Primarily used in treating conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
- Biomedical Research: Helps in understanding visual processing at the photoreceptor-bipolar cell junction, aiding the development of future retinal prosthetics.
- Neuroscience: Provides insights into neuron stimulation techniques and applications.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
136/MUM/2015
531475