Author Description

The field of prosthetics has come a long way, but still leaves much to be desired. In this paper, the feasibility of implementing an interface between a neural probe and the brachial plexus is explored through computer modeling and experimental data. Computer simulations track the organic compounds sucrose, dextran, and carmine within a nerve trunk to infer the behavior of VGF, a nerve growth factor. Experiments are also performed to track carmine diffusing through the giant axon of a squid, and correlated with simulation data. A model of the experiment was used to approximate the diffusion coefficient of carmine, and then compared to the simulation data of sucrose for consistency. A model of the channel in the probe was also made to characterize the flow of fluid within the probe. The comparison of simulation and experimental data prove the simulations to be believable. A hypothetical simulation involving VGF show that using diffusion as a method of distribution is plausible. The channel found within the probe has also found to have acceptable behavior through simulation work.