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Louie S, Jiang Q, Wisniewski DJ, Bao ST, Zhang H, Chivukula K, Fang Q, Garudapalli A, Docherty SR, Ng F, Steigerwald M, Zhong Y, Khodagholy D, Nuckolls C. Contorted acene ribbons for stable and ultrasensitive neural probes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2025; 11:eadu2356. [PMID: 40173228 PMCID: PMC11963965 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adu2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/04/2025]
Abstract
Organic materials that conduct both electrons and ions are integral to implantable bioelectronics because of their conformable nature. There is a dearth of these materials that are highly sensitive to cations, which are the majority ions on the surface of neurons. This manuscript offers a solution using an extended ribbon structure that is defect-free, providing high electronic mobility along its fused backbone, while the edge structure of these ribbons promotes high ionic conductivity. We incorporated these mixed ion/electron conductors into neural probes and implanted them in a rodent brain where they offer a suite of useful properties: high cation sensitivity, stability over several weeks after implantation, and biocompatibility. These materials represent an innovative class of implantable biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Louie
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qifeng Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Duncan J. Wisniewski
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Si Tong Bao
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Honghu Zhang
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Kaushik Chivukula
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Qiyi Fang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ashutosh Garudapalli
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Scott R. Docherty
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Fay Ng
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Yu Zhong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Dion Khodagholy
- Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Colin Nuckolls
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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Borah R, Diez Clarke D, Upadhyay J, Monaghan MG. From innovation to clinic: Emerging strategies harnessing electrically conductive polymers to enhance electrically stimulated peripheral nerve repair. Mater Today Bio 2025; 30:101415. [PMID: 39816667 PMCID: PMC11733191 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Revised: 12/07/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve repair (PNR) is a major healthcare challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of the nervous system, often leading to severe functional impairments. While nerve autografts are the gold standard, their implications are constrained by issues such as donor site morbidity and limited availability, necessitating innovative alternatives like nerve guidance conduits (NGCs). However, the inherently slow nerve growth rate (∼1 mm/day) and prolonged neuroinflammation, delay recovery even with the use of passive (no-conductive) NGCs, resulting in muscle atrophy and loss of locomotor function. Electrical stimulation (ES) has the ability to enhance nerve regeneration rate by modulating the innate bioelectrical microenvironment of nerve tissue while simultaneously fostering a reparative environment through immunoregulation. In this context, electrically conductive polymer (ECP)-based biomaterials offer unique advantages for nerve repair combining their flexibility, akin to traditional plastics, and mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, similar to ionically conductive nerve tissue, as well as their biocompatibility and ease of fabrication. This review focuses on the progress, challenges, and emerging techniques for integrating ECP based NGCs with ES for functional nerve regeneration. It critically evaluates the various approaches using ECP based scaffolds, identifying gaps that have hindered clinical translation. Key challenges discussed include designing effective 3D NGCs with high electroactivity, optimizing ES modules, and better understanding of immunoregulation during nerve repair. The review also explores innovative strategies in material development and wireless, self-powered ES methods. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for non-invasive ES delivery methods combined with hybrid ECP based neural scaffolds, highlighting future directions for advancing preclinical and clinical translation. Together, ECP based NGCs combined with ES represent a promising avenue for advancing PNR and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Borah
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Daniel Diez Clarke
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jnanendra Upadhyay
- Department of Physics, Dakshin Kamrup College, Kamrup, Assam, 781125, India
| | - Michael G. Monaghan
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- CÚRAM, Research Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
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Bianchi M, De Salvo A, Asplund M, Carli S, Di Lauro M, Schulze‐Bonhage A, Stieglitz T, Fadiga L, Biscarini F. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Based Neural Interfaces for Recording and Stimulation: Fundamental Aspects and In Vivo Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104701. [PMID: 35191224 PMCID: PMC9036021 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation neural interfaces for bidirectional communication with the central nervous system aim to achieve the intimate integration with the neural tissue with minimal neuroinflammatory response, high spatio-temporal resolution, very high sensitivity, and readout stability. The design and manufacturing of devices for low power/low noise neural recording and safe and energy-efficient stimulation that are, at the same time, conformable to the brain, with matched mechanical properties and biocompatibility, is a convergence area of research where neuroscientists, materials scientists, and nanotechnologists operate synergically. The biotic-abiotic neural interface, however, remains a formidable challenge that prompts for new materials platforms and innovation in device layouts. Conductive polymers (CP) are attractive materials to be interfaced with the neural tissue and to be used as sensing/stimulating electrodes because of their mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, their low contact impedance, high charge storage capacitance, chemical versatility, and biocompatibility. This manuscript reviews the state-of-the-art of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based neural interfaces for extracellular recording and stimulation, focusing on those technological approaches that are successfully demonstrated in vivo. The aim is to highlight the most reliable and ready-for-clinical-use solutions, in terms of materials technology and recording performance, other than spot major limitations and identify future trends in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bianchi
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Anna De Salvo
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
- Sezione di FisiologiaUniversità di Ferraravia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Maria Asplund
- Division of Nursing and Medical TechnologyLuleå University of TechnologyLuleå971 87Sweden
- Department of Microsystems Engineering‐IMTEKUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
- BrainLinks‐BrainTools CenterUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
| | - Stefano Carli
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
- Present address:
Department of Environmental and Prevention SciencesUniversità di FerraraFerrara44121Italy
| | - Michele Di Lauro
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Andreas Schulze‐Bonhage
- BrainLinks‐BrainTools CenterUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
- Epilepsy CenterFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
| | - Thomas Stieglitz
- Department of Microsystems Engineering‐IMTEKUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
- BrainLinks‐BrainTools CenterUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg79110Germany
| | - Luciano Fadiga
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
- Sezione di FisiologiaUniversità di Ferraravia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Fabio Biscarini
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and CommunicationFondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologiavia Fossato di Mortara 17Ferrara44121Italy
- Life Science DepartmentUniversità di Modena e Reggio EmiliaVia Campi 103Modena41125Italy
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Zhao H, Liu R, Zhang H, Cao P, Liu Z, Li Y. Research Progress on the Flexibility of an Implantable Neural Microelectrode. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:386. [PMID: 35334680 PMCID: PMC8954487 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neural microelectrode is the important bridge of information exchange between the human body and machines. By recording and transmitting nerve signals with electrodes, people can control the external machines. At the same time, using electrodes to electrically stimulate nerve tissue, people with long-term brain diseases will be safely and reliably treated. Young's modulus of the traditional rigid electrode probe is not matched well with that of biological tissue, and tissue immune rejection is easy to generate, resulting in the electrode not being able to achieve long-term safety and reliable working. In recent years, the choice of flexible materials and design of electrode structures can achieve modulus matching between electrode and biological tissue, and tissue damage is decreased. This review discusses nerve microelectrodes based on flexible electrode materials and substrate materials. Simultaneously, different structural designs of neural microelectrodes are reviewed. However, flexible electrode probes are difficult to implant into the brain. Only with the aid of certain auxiliary devices, can the implant be safe and reliable. The implantation method of the nerve microelectrode is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Ruping Liu
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zilong Liu
- Division of Optics, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ye Li
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
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5
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Fabrication of vertically aligned PEDOT nanotube arrays on microelectrodes to interface neurons. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Wang D, Tan J, Zhu H, Mei Y, Liu X. Biomedical Implants with Charge-Transfer Monitoring and Regulating Abilities. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004393. [PMID: 34166584 PMCID: PMC8373130 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane charge (ion/electron) transfer is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is involved in many biological processes, from protein synthesis to embryonic development in organisms. Designing implant devices that can detect or regulate cellular transmembrane charge transfer is expected to sense and modulate the behaviors of host cells and tissues. Thus, charge transfer can be regarded as a bridge connecting living systems and human-made implantable devices. This review describes the mode and mechanism of charge transfer between organisms and nonliving materials, and summarizes the strategies to endow implants with charge-transfer regulating or monitoring abilities. Furthermore, three major charge-transfer controlling systems, including wired, self-activated, and stimuli-responsive biomedical implants, as well as the design principles and pivotal materials are systematically elaborated. The clinical challenges and the prospects for future development of these implant devices are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institutes of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050China
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHebei University of TechnologyTianjin300130China
| | - Ji Tan
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institutes of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050China
| | - Hongqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institutes of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050China
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Yongfeng Mei
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Xuanyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institutes of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050China
- School of Chemistry and Materials ScienceHangzhou Institute for Advanced StudyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310024China
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Yang W, Gong Y, Li W. A Review: Electrode and Packaging Materials for Neurophysiology Recording Implants. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:622923. [PMID: 33585422 PMCID: PMC7873964 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.622923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, a wide variety of neural tissue implants have been developed for neurophysiology recording from living tissues. An ideal neural implant should minimize the damage to the tissue and perform reliably and accurately for long periods of time. Therefore, the materials utilized to fabricate the neural recording implants become a critical factor. The materials of these devices could be classified into two broad categories: electrode materials as well as packaging and substrate materials. In this review, inorganic (metals and semiconductors), organic (conducting polymers), and carbon-based (graphene and carbon nanostructures) electrode materials are reviewed individually in terms of various neural recording devices that are reported in recent years. Properties of these materials, including electrical properties, mechanical properties, stability, biodegradability/bioresorbability, biocompatibility, and optical properties, and their critical importance to neural recording quality and device capabilities, are discussed. For the packaging and substrate materials, different material properties are desired for the chronic implantation of devices in the complex environment of the body, such as biocompatibility and moisture and gas hermeticity. This review summarizes common solid and soft packaging materials used in a variety of neural interface electrode designs, as well as their packaging performances. Besides, several biopolymers typically applied over the electrode package to reinforce the mechanical rigidity of devices during insertion, or to reduce the immune response and inflammation at the device-tissue interfaces are highlighted. Finally, a benchmark analysis of the discussed materials and an outlook of the future research trends are concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen Li
- Microtechnology Lab, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Ferguson M, Sharma D, Ross D, Zhao F. A Critical Review of Microelectrode Arrays and Strategies for Improving Neural Interfaces. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900558. [PMID: 31464094 PMCID: PMC6786932 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Though neural interface systems (NISs) can provide a potential solution for mitigating the effects of limb loss and central nervous system damage, the microelectrode array (MEA) component of NISs remains a significant limiting factor to their widespread clinical applications. Several strategies can be applied to MEA designs to increase their biocompatibility. Herein, an overview of NISs and their applications is provided, along with a detailed discussion of strategies for alleviating the foreign body response (FBR) and abnormalities seen at the interface of MEAs and the brain tissue following MEA implantation. Various surface modifications, including natural/synthetic surface coatings, hydrogels, and topography alterations, have shown to be highly successful in improving neural cell adhesion, reducing gliosis, and increasing MEA longevity. Different MEA surface geometries, such as those seen in the Utah and Michigan arrays, can help alleviate the resultant FBR by reducing insertion damage, while providing new avenues for improving MEA recording performance and resolution. Increasing overall flexibility of MEAs as well as reducing their stiffness is also shown to reduce MEA induced micromotion along with FBR severity. By combining multiple different properties into a single MEA, the severity and duration of an FBR postimplantation can be reduced substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Ferguson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Dhavan Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931
| | - David Ross
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931
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