Researchers from*Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, and Newcastle University have created a proof of concept Artificial Retina that may one day help treat a number of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The device is made of Semiconductor na**rod-carbon na**tubes and doesn’t have*any metal wire components. The resulting film is both flexible and light sensitive, allowing it to be shaped into the form of a natural retina.
The researchers tested the new device on chicks whose retinas were still **t light sensitive, and showed that the Artificial Retina was able to induce neuronal activity in response to light.
Some details from the Study abstract in Na** Letters:
A plasma polymerized acrylic acid midlayer was used to achieve covalent conjugation of Semiconductor na**rods directly onto neuro-adhesive, three-dimensional carbon na**tube surfaces. Photocurrent, photovoltage, and fluorescence lifetime measurements validate efficient charge transfer between the na**rods and the carbon na**tube films. Successful stimulation of a light-insensitive chick Retina suggests the potential use of this **vel platform in future Artificial Retina applications.