Blurring The Boundaries between Man and Machine

Excerpted from a talk given by Hugh Darrow at the 2001 International Gathering of Neuroscientific Researchers.

For a mechanical bioprosthesis to work, a patient must be implanted with a device that powers its electronics. The problem is, generating power requires chemicals which are toxic to the body. So unless we find a way to harness electricity that is already present in the central nervous system, we are bound to fail.

There is a second problem, as well. Preliminary research into power-harnessing biochips suggests that our immune systems will perceive these devices as foreign invaders, and immediately send proteins to encapsulate them. Over time, scar tissue will build up between the PHB and surrounding tissue, resulting in neuroprosthesis failure. So how do we avoid this?

Darrow Industries is working on a plan to “grow” networks of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) electrodes--PEDOT, if you will--that intertwine with neural cells. The goal is to create a biocompatible matrix which attracts neural progenitor cells to grow in the proper direction, blurring the boundary between what is nervous system and what is external device.

A neural environment where implanted biochip and live neural cells coexist--even migrate and evolve over time--will not only be safer and more effective for the end user; it will be the ultimate melding of man and machine.