Denoising deep brain stimulation pacemaker signals with novel polymer-based nanocomposites: Porous biomaterials for sound absorption

Baraa Chasib Mezher AL Kasar; Shahab Khameneh Asl; Hamed Asgharzadeh; Seyed Jamaleddin Peighambardoust; Baraa Chasib Mezher AL Kasar; Shahab Khameneh Asl; Hamed Asgharzadeh; Seyed Jamaleddin Peighambardoust

doi:10.3934/bioeng.2024013

AIMS Bioengineering

2024, Volume 11, Issue 2: 241-265. doi: 10.3934/bioeng.2024013

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Research article

Denoising deep brain stimulation pacemaker signals with novel polymer-based nanocomposites: Porous biomaterials for sound absorption

1.
Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51666-14766, Iran
2.
Nanostructured and Novel Materials Laboratory (NNML), Department of Materials Engineering, University of Tabriz, 51666-16471, Tabriz, Iran
3.
Faculty of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran

Received: 27 March 2024 Revised: 06 June 2024 Accepted: 13 June 2024 Published: 15 July 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) pacemakers are sophisticated medical devices that deliver electrical signals to targeted areas of the brain via implanted electrodes, effectively regulating abnormal brain activity and relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant neurological disorders. However, proximity to other electromagnetic equipment may introduce additional noise, which can be disruptive to individuals. To mitigate this issue, we propose a novel polymer-based nanocomposite for pacemakers for signal denoising. This research focused on the development and analysis of nanocomposites comprising polypropylene (PP) combined with montmorillonite nanoclay and graphene nanosheets (GNs). The nanocomposites were created by blending them through melting, using varying ratios of clay to GNs, with a total loading of 4 wt.%. This study focused on enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for brain pacemakers by using nanocomposites. It investigated the noise reduction properties of PP nanocomposites, specifically in the outlet gate of the pacemaker. This research aimed to find the ideal ratio of clay to GNs in the PP matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to analyze the crystalline structure and filler dispersion, as well as thermal behavior and filler–matrix interactions in the material. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the dispersion of the nanofillers in the PP, and sound tube testing was conducted to evaluate the noise levels of the composites. The findings indicated that a porous structure of the nanocomposite with dispersed microspheres within the PP matrix and a long pathway facilitated increased dissipation of acoustic waves, making it suitable for denoising in brain pacemakers. Furthermore, the nanocomposite containing 2.75 wt.% of nanoclay and 1.25 wt.% of graphene components within the polypropylene matrix demonstrated a favorable signal-to-noise ratio compared to other evaluated nanocomposites.
- deep brain stimulation,
- polypropylene (PP)/clay/graphene,
- nanocomposite,
- denoising properties,
- porous media
Citation: Baraa Chasib Mezher AL Kasar, Shahab Khameneh Asl, Hamed Asgharzadeh, Seyed Jamaleddin Peighambardoust. Denoising deep brain stimulation pacemaker signals with novel polymer-based nanocomposites: Porous biomaterials for sound absorption[J]. AIMS Bioengineering, 2024, 11(2): 241-265. doi: 10.3934/bioeng.2024013

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Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) pacemakers are sophisticated medical devices that deliver electrical signals to targeted areas of the brain via implanted electrodes, effectively regulating abnormal brain activity and relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant neurological disorders. However, proximity to other electromagnetic equipment may introduce additional noise, which can be disruptive to individuals. To mitigate this issue, we propose a novel polymer-based nanocomposite for pacemakers for signal denoising. This research focused on the development and analysis of nanocomposites comprising polypropylene (PP) combined with montmorillonite nanoclay and graphene nanosheets (GNs). The nanocomposites were created by blending them through melting, using varying ratios of clay to GNs, with a total loading of 4 wt.%. This study focused on enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for brain pacemakers by using nanocomposites. It investigated the noise reduction properties of PP nanocomposites, specifically in the outlet gate of the pacemaker. This research aimed to find the ideal ratio of clay to GNs in the PP matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to analyze the crystalline structure and filler dispersion, as well as thermal behavior and filler–matrix interactions in the material. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the dispersion of the nanofillers in the PP, and sound tube testing was conducted to evaluate the noise levels of the composites. The findings indicated that a porous structure of the nanocomposite with dispersed microspheres within the PP matrix and a long pathway facilitated increased dissipation of acoustic waves, making it suitable for denoising in brain pacemakers. Furthermore, the nanocomposite containing 2.75 wt.% of nanoclay and 1.25 wt.% of graphene components within the polypropylene matrix demonstrated a favorable signal-to-noise ratio compared to other evaluated nanocomposites.

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the assistance of the laboratory team in providing the extra data. The X-ray diffraction test and material preparation were carried out at the Nanostructured and Novel Materials Laboratory (NNML) at the University of Tabriz, overseen by Dr. Shahab Khameneh Asl and Dr. Hamed Asgharzadeh. We are thankful for the valuable contributions of the laboratory members during the discussions related to this study. The SEM measurements were conducted at the laboratory of materials at Baghdad University, and Baraa C-M expresses gratitude to the members of this laboratory.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Author contributions

All authors equally contributed to the study conception and design, material preparation, data collection and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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