The application of machine perfusion for the testing of peripheral nerve and muscle interfacing for bionic prostheses: A systematic review

This systematic review evaluates the use of Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP) as a testbed for developing peripheral nerve and muscle interfaces for bionic prostheses. Our findings suggest that NMP offers a viable alternative to traditional models, with significant implications for future research and clinical applications. A literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE [1946 to October 2023], revealing 559 abstracts. No studies using nerve and/or muscle electrodes for the testing or development of bionic interface technologies were identified, except for one conference abstract. NMP could serve as a test bed for future development of interface biocompatibility, selectivity, stability, and data transfer, whilst complying with ethical practices and potentially offering greater relevance for human translation.