The article, entitled "Mesoporous Silica Nanosphere-based Nerve Growth Factor Delivery System Using an Electrically Conducting Polymer," details research work being performed at the Center for Paralysis Research on Purdue's West Lafayette campus.

In this study, a mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based nerve growth factor delivery system has been developed and evaluated for efficacy in promoting neurite extension and growth.  Such a site-specific drug delivery in the vicinity of a biomedical implant would enhance the performance of the incorporated drugs and also reduce the systemic exposure of those drugs, likely reducing or preventing toxicity and other unwanted side effects.  The possible therapeutic applications of such a methodology could consequently result in the development of brain-controlled devices, vision implants, nerve function modulators, and spinal cord stimulators, to name a few future possibilities.