Bio-Power!!! Can Biological Nerve Action Potentials Stimulate Artificial Muscle, Platinum IPMCs?
Ethan A. Kottke
Farmington High School
Farmington, NM
Abstract
This investigation tested the optimal settings of an electrical signal to cause Platinum Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC - synthetic muscle) displacement, measured the action potential of a nerve to power Platinum IPMC displacement. The hypothesis was that once the optimal settings for Platinum IPMC displacement were found and the action potential was measured, the two signals would be similar and it would be possible for an action potential to power Platinum IPMC displacement.
To test the hypothesis, a piece of Platinum IPMC was placed in metal forceps and the amplitude, duration, and frequency were each isolated and varied until optimal displacement force was reached. A Sprague-Dawley rat sciatic nerve was used to generate an action potential, which was measured. Next, the parameters to simulate the action potential were set on the signal generator and applied to the IPMC to determine the practicality of using a real nerve to power the synthetic muscle. A biological action potential was amplified and applied to the Platinum IPMC, causing displacement with a measurable force.
The results of this experiment showed the optimal settings for Platinum IPMC displacement and the electrical properties of a biogolical action potential. It also showed that it IS feasible to cause Platinum IPMC displacement when powered by a biological nerve action potential, supporting the hypothesis. The results were graphed and statistically analyzed using least squares regression, with a confidence level of 94 per cent.
IPMC is a new, cutting edge, versatile technology which is being currently used in research to assist cardiac, intestinal, paralysis, and ocular patients, among others. Taking advantage of a power source located in the body allows for enervation of the IPMC while bypassing issues such as biocompatibility and outside energy sources. IPMC integrated with nerve action potentials, or "bio-power", along with creativity and ingenuity, will change the face of biomedical research for years to come!
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