INSULATING BIOMATERIALS 

NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 3, February 9, 1996

 

RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-96-04

 

P.T. 34



Keywords:

  Biomaterials 

  Prosthetic Device, Neural 

 

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

 

The Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institute of

Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of

Health (NIH), supports research on the evaluation and development of

biomaterials for neural prostheses.  This research contract will

develop biomaterials for the long-term insulation of implantable

stimulating and recording microelectrodes and interconnect cables.

In-vivo and in-vitro studies will be conducted.  Neural prosthetic

implants need to function in the hostile ionic environment of

extracellular fluids for periods of decades.  Studies by NPP

investigators have demonstrated reliable operation in in-vitro soak

tests of both fluorocarbon and silicone insulated silicon

microdevices and wires for prolonged periods.  Accelerated testing of

these materials at elevated temperatures suggests that they will

function reliably for periods of decades.  In-vivo testing of these

materials has begun but significant additional work is required

before they can be used with confidence in chronic applications for

many decades.  The primary emphasis of this research is to evaluate,

in an animal model, biomaterials that, by in-vitro testing, appear to

be capable of functioning for decades.  Additional studies will

evaluate potential insulating biomaterials by accelerated and

long-term in-vitro testing.  Research to determine the underlying

chemical and physical basis of successful insulating materials with

the goal of the rational design of new materials with improved

properties will also be required.  Histopathological studies to

evaluate tissue response to the implanted biomaterials are supported

through a separate research contract and are not a major focus of

this work.  Offerers are encouraged to subcontract a portion of the

work if they lack facilities or expertise to respond to all aspects

of the RFP within their organizations.  Prospective offerors shall be

required to obtain institutional approval for all animal studies and

follow the PHS guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Performance of the research project will require expertise in

material science,  biomaterials, microelectronic packaging, and

animal testing.  It is anticipated that one award, on a

cost-reimbursement basis, will made for a period of three years.

 

INQUIRIES

 

This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP).  RFP No. NIH-NINDS-96-04

will be issued on or about February 9, 1996, with responses due

approximately 60 days thereafter.  Interested organizations should

request either a streamlined version or an entire RFP document.  If

no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP will be

provided.  The streamlined version includes only the Statement of

Work, deliverable and reporting requirements, special requirements,

and technical evaluation criteria.  After examination of these

documents, any organization interested in responding to the RFP must

request the entire RFP either in writing or by FAX.  Requests must

cite the RFP number.  Supply this office with two self-addressed

mailing labels.  All responsible sources may submit a proposal that

will be considered by the Government.

 

Laurie Leonard

Contracts Management Branch

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,

7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 901, MSC 9190

Bethesda, MD  20892-9190

FAX:  (301) 402-4225

ATTN:  RFP NIH-NINDS-96-04

 

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