Work

Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead in the Translation of Implantable Microscale Sensors and Actuators

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Microscale sensors and actuators have been widely explored by the scientific community to augment the functionality of conventional medical implants. However, despite the many innovative concepts proposed, a negligible fraction has successfully made the leap from concept to clinical translation. This shortfall is primarily due to the considerable disparity between academic research prototypes and market-ready products. As such, it is critically important to examine the lessons learned in successful commercialization efforts to inform early-stage translational research efforts. Here, we review the regulatory prerequisites for market approval and provide a comprehensive analysis of commercially available microimplants from a device design perspective. Our objective is to illuminate both the technological advances underlying successfully commercialized devices and the key takeaways from the commercialization process, thereby facilitating a smoother pathway from academic research to clinical impact.

Source: Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110122-121128

Authors: Jae Young Park, Nikolas Barrera, Tianyu Bai, Ellis Meng, Hui Fang, Hyowon Lee

Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, University of Southern California, Dartmouth College

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke