ALGEL® as a dural sealant, determination of effects on the sensori-motor cortex in rats

ALGEL^® (Neural Intervention Technologies, Ann Arbor, MI) has shown promise as a biocompatible and mechanically stable material when used as a dural sealant. ALGEL provides a suitable interface between the brain surface and cortical neural implants to help attain long-term neural recordings for over one year in laboratory animals. This paper investigates whether the ALGEL can cause abnormal neural activity or seizures when placed in contact with the motor cortex. Sixteen rats underwent craniotomy procedures and ALGEL and its reactive component, calcium chloride, were placed in contact with the cortex. The response of the animals was evaluated with electroencephalography (EEG) and clinical monitoring of behavior during controlled anesthesia for up to two hours post-application. ALGEL was compared with tranexamic acid (tAMCA), a synthetic fibrinolysis inhibitor that has been shown to cause epileptic seizures. tAMCA, at a dose of 100 mg/ml, showed marked paroxymal brain activity with associated and distinct episodes of jerk-correlated convulsive behaviors. However, various applications of ALGEL on the rat cortex showed no abnormal EEG signals and no episodes of jerk-correlated convulsive behaviors. ALGEL appears to be a safe and effective dural sealant that can be used alone or in combination with neural implants.