Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology (대한기관식도과학회지)

The Korean Bronchoesophagological Society (대한기관식도과학회)
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Restoration of Blink Function in the Paralyzed Rabbit Using Electroactive Polymer

안면신경마비 동물모델에서 전기활성고분자를 이용한 눈 깜박임 기능의 회복

  • Kwon, Seong-Keun (Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dongguk University International Hospital, Ilsan) ;
  • Sung, Myung-Whun (Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Kwang-Hyun (Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University, College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Hee-Chan (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University, College of Medicine)
  • 권성근 (동국대학교 일산병원 이비인후과) ;
  • 성명훈 (서울대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실) ;
  • 김광현 (서울대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실) ;
  • 김희찬 (서울대학교 의과대학 의공학교실)
  • Published : 2006.12.26
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Abstract

There have been numerous modalities to recover blink function of orbicularis oculi muscle in patients with facial paralysis. However, there is still no optimal method for reanimation of eyelid. In this study, we tried to recover blink function of paralyzed rabbit's eyelid with the ion polymer metal composite (IPMC) which is one of the electroactive polymers that is spotlighted as artificial muscle. We manufactured IPMC by plating the platinum over perfluorosulphonic acid polymer ($Nafion^{(R)}$). IPMC was coated by Norland optical adhesive for the purpose of insulation and keeping it from dry. IPMC modifications by roughening the surface of Nafion, repetitive plating (maximum 4 times) with platinum, and lengthening the width of IPMC were done. The facial paralysis was induced in the rabbit by sectioning of facial nerve at the main trunk. After minimum period of 4 weeks, IPMC was inserted in the paralyzed rabbit's eyelid. By modification, the force generated by IPMC was enhanced. Restoration of blink function in paralyzed rabbit was achieved on electrical stimulation of the IPMC by 5 voltage direct current. IPMC can be promising option for facial reanimation, but further studies are needed to enhance the efficiency of IPMC.

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