New wireless material ‘could form basis of replacement retinas’

A proof-of-concept artificial retina has been developed using a groundbreaking wireless material that could help restore sight to blind patients.

Created at Tel Aviv University, the material combines semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes to create a wireless, light-sensitive, flexible film that could potentially be used to replace damaged retinas.

This new device is compact, unlike previous designs that use wires or metals to enhance their light-sensing properties. It is also capable of higher spatial resolution than older solutions, which typically struggle in this area.

Animal trials have shown the artificial retina is able to induce neuronal activity in response to light, suggesting this new approach could be an effective one.

Professor Yael Hanein of Tel Aviv University's school of electrical engineering said: "In comparison with other technologies, our new material is more durable, flexible and efficient, as well as better able to stimulate neurons."

Around two million people in the UK are living with some form of sight problem. Of these, around 365,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted.