Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

936

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Electrical and Computer Engr

Concentration

Electrical Engineering

Committee Chair

Bashir I Morshed

Committee Member

Mohammed Yeasin

Committee Member

Firouzeh Sabri

Abstract

Soyeb, Soyeb A., M.S. The University of Memphis. August 2013.Numerical Study of Electrical Stimulation for Neuronal Cell Growth on Silica Aerogel Substrate. Major Professor: Dr. Bashir I Morshed. An aerogel-based Neuronal Printed Circuit Board (NPCB) with electrical stimulation capabilities is currently under investigation as an alternative method for repair of injury sustained to peripheral nerves. Here, we report the results of the numerical analysis of electric field distribution, fluidic motion, and temperature rise due to such electrical stimuli. In this analysis, a simple cylindrical structure is modeled for both voltage and current stimulation using COMSOL finite element analysis software. Simulation results demonstrate that electric field lines are highly concentrated on the surface of the aerogel where the gold tracks exist. Besides, the stimulation generates fluidic motion due to dielectrophoresis forces. Furthermore, the steady state temperature increase due to the stimulation is less than 1K for current stimulation of less than 0.35 A.The results suggest that NPCB with electrical stimulation capabilities might be able to influence neuronal growth and directionality.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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