Researchers at the University of Tabriz in Iran have developed innovative materials to improve the performance of brain and heart pacemakers by reducing signal interference. The devices often face challenges from external electromagnetic forces, causing discomfort like headaches for patients.
The team created nanocomposites using polypropylene, clay, and graphene to absorb and disperse energy effectively. These materials can reduce electromagnetic interference, addressing common patient complaints like headaches.
The findings could lead to better pacemaker functionality and inspire advancements in other biomedical devices like hearing aids. The researchers aimed to develop novel biomaterials for the outlet gate of brain pacemakers that can handle electrical signals effectively.
Using a plastic base known as polypropylene, they added a specially formulated clay called Montmorillonite and different ratios of graphene, one of the strongest lightweight materials. They created five different materials that could be performance-tested.
The researchers measured the signal-to-noise ratio and how the material performs with different levels of noise. They also tested the impact of the material thickness on performance measures. The study aimed to explore the thermal and mechanical attributes of the nanocomposites for potential use in brain pacemakers.
The findings demonstrate that the perforated architecture of the nanocomposite facilitates the dissipation of sound waves, rendering it ideal for acoustic insulation in brain pacemakers. The optimal clay to graphene ratio was found to be 2.75% clay and 1.25% graphene nanosheets in the polypropylene matrix, which showed a markedly improved signal-to-noise ratio.
This research could lead to better pacemaker functionality and inspire advancements in other biomedical devices like hearing aids.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/neurotech-pacemaker-noise-28233