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Yoo S, Kim M, Choi C, Kim DH, Cha GD. Soft Bioelectronics for Neuroengineering: New Horizons in the Treatment of Brain Tumor and Epilepsy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303563. [PMID: 38117136 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Soft bioelectronic technologies for neuroengineering have shown remarkable progress, which include novel soft material technologies and device design strategies. Such technological advances that are initiated from fundamental brain science are applied to clinical neuroscience and provided meaningful promises for significant improvement in the diagnosis efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of various brain diseases recently. System-level integration strategies in consideration of specific disease circumstances can enhance treatment effects further. Here, recent advances in soft implantable bioelectronics for neuroengineering, focusing on materials and device designs optimized for the treatment of intracranial disease environments, are reviewed. Various types of soft bioelectronics for neuroengineering are categorized and exemplified first, and then details for the sensing and stimulating device components are explained. Next, application examples of soft implantable bioelectronics to clinical neuroscience, particularly focusing on the treatment of brain tumor and epilepsy are reviewed. Finally, an ideal system of soft intracranial bioelectronics such as closed-loop-type fully-integrated systems is presented, and the remaining challenges for their clinical translation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwon Yoo
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsoon Choi
- Center for Opto-Electronic Materials and Devices, Post-silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyeong Kim
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Doo Cha
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
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Wang W, Han R, Tang K, Zhao S, Ding C, Luo X. Biocompatible peptide hydrogels with excellent antibacterial and catalytic properties for electrochemical sensing application. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1154:338295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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How is flexible electronics advancing neuroscience research? Biomaterials 2020; 268:120559. [PMID: 33310538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Innovative neurotechnology must be leveraged to experimentally answer the multitude of pressing questions in modern neuroscience. Driven by the desire to address the existing neuroscience problems with newly engineered tools, we discuss in this review the benefits of flexible electronics for neuroscience studies. We first introduce the concept and define the properties of flexible and stretchable electronics. We then categorize the four dimensions where flexible electronics meets the demands of modern neuroscience: chronic stability, interfacing multiple structures, multi-modal compatibility, and neuron-type-specific recording. Specifically, with the bending stiffness now approaching that of neural tissue, implanted flexible electronic devices produce little shear motion, minimizing chronic immune responses and enabling recording and stimulation for months, and even years. The unique mechanical properties of flexible electronics also allow for intimate conformation to the brain, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the retina. Moreover, flexible electronics enables optogenetic stimulation, microfluidic drug delivery, and neural activity imaging during electrical stimulation and recording. Finally, flexible electronics can enable neuron-type identification through analysis of high-fidelity recorded action potentials facilitated by its seamless integration with the neural circuitry. We argue that flexible electronics will play an increasingly important role in neuroscience studies and neurological therapies via the fabrication of neuromorphic devices on flexible substrates and the development of enhanced methods of neuronal interpenetration.
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Woods GA, Rommelfanger NJ, Hong G. Bioinspired Materials for In Vivo Bioelectronic Neural Interfaces. MATTER 2020; 3:1087-1113. [PMID: 33103115 PMCID: PMC7583599 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The success of in vivo neural interfaces relies on their long-term stability and large scale in interrogating and manipulating neural activity after implantation. Conventional neural probes, owing to their limited spatiotemporal resolution and scale, face challenges for studying the massive, interconnected neural network in its native state. In this review, we argue that taking inspiration from biology will unlock the next generation of in vivo bioelectronic neural interfaces. Reducing the feature sizes of bioelectronic neural interfaces to mimic those of neurons enables high spatial resolution and multiplexity. Additionally, chronic stability at the device-tissue interface is realized by matching the mechanical properties of bioelectronic neural interfaces to those of the endogenous tissue. Further, modeling the design of neural interfaces after the endogenous topology of the neural circuitry enables new insights into the connectivity and dynamics of the brain. Lastly, functionalization of neural probe surfaces with coatings inspired by biology leads to enhanced tissue acceptance over extended timescales. Bioinspired neural interfaces will facilitate future developments in neuroscience studies and neurological treatments by leveraging bidirectional information transfer and integrating neuromorphic computing elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Woods
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Rommelfanger
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
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Gao Y, Yu L, Yeo JC, Lim CT. Flexible Hybrid Sensors for Health Monitoring: Materials and Mechanisms to Render Wearability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1902133. [PMID: 31339200 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201902133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Wearable electronics have revolutionized the way physiological parameters are sensed, detected, and monitored. In recent years, advances in flexible and stretchable hybrid electronics have created emergent properties that enhance the compliance of devices to our skin. With their unobtrusive attributes, skin conformable sensors enable applications toward real-time disease diagnosis and continuous healthcare monitoring. Herein, critical perspectives of flexible hybrid electronics toward the future of digital health monitoring are provided, emphasizing its role in physiological sensing. In particular, the strategies within the sensor composition to render flexibility and stretchability while maintaining excellent sensing performance are considered. Next, novel approaches to the functionalization of the sensor for physical or biochemical stimuli are extensively covered. Subsequently, wearable sensors measuring physical parameters such as strain, pressure, temperature, as well as biological changes in metabolites and electrolytes are reported. Finally, their implications toward early disease detection and monitoring are discussed, concluding with a future perspective into the challenges and opportunities in emerging wearable sensor designs for the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Longteng Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Joo Chuan Yeo
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
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Patel SR, Lieber CM. Precision electronic medicine in the brain. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:1007-1012. [PMID: 31477925 PMCID: PMC6741780 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Periodically throughout history developments from adjacent fields of science and technology reach a tipping point where together they produce unparalleled advances, such as the Allen Brain Atlas and the Human Genome Project. Today, research focused at the interface between the nervous system and electronics is not only leading to advances in fundamental neuroscience, but also unlocking the potential of implants capable of cellular-level therapeutic targeting. Ultimately, these personalized electronic therapies will provide new treatment modalities for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illness; powerful control of prosthetics for restorative function in degenerative diseases, trauma and amputation; and even augmentation of human cognition. Overall, we believe that emerging advances in tissue-like electronics will enable minimally invasive devices capable of establishing a stable long-term cellular neural interface and providing long-term treatment for chronic neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun R Patel
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Charles M Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Brain Science, and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Abstract
Neural recording electrode technologies have contributed considerably to neuroscience by enabling the extracellular detection of low-frequency local field potential oscillations and high-frequency action potentials of single units. Nevertheless, several long-standing limitations exist, including low multiplexity, deleterious chronic immune responses and long-term recording instability. Driven by initiatives encouraging the generation of novel neurotechnologies and the maturation of technologies to fabricate high-density electronics, novel electrode technologies are emerging. Here, we provide an overview of recently developed neural recording electrode technologies with high spatial integration, long-term stability and multiple functionalities. We describe how these emergent neurotechnologies can approach the ultimate goal of illuminating chronic brain activity with minimal disruption of the neural environment, thereby providing unprecedented opportunities for neuroscience research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Charles M Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Singh M, Webster RD, J. Steele TW. Voltaglue Electroceutical Adhesive Patches for Localized Voltage Stimulation. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:2633-2642. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Singh
- NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine (NNIN), Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553
- School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Division of Materials Technology, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 639798
| | - Richard D. Webster
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371
| | - Terry W. J. Steele
- NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine (NNIN), Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553
- School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Division of Materials Technology, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 639798
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Yang X, Zhou T, Zwang TJ, Hong G, Zhao Y, Viveros RD, Fu TM, Gao T, Lieber CM. Bioinspired neuron-like electronics. NATURE MATERIALS 2019; 18:510-517. [PMID: 30804509 PMCID: PMC6474791 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important application of functional biomaterials, neural probes have contributed substantially to studying the brain. Bioinspired and biomimetic strategies have begun to be applied to the development of neural probes, although these and previous generations of probes have had structural and mechanical dissimilarities from their neuron targets that lead to neuronal loss, neuroinflammatory responses and measurement instabilities. Here, we present a bioinspired design for neural probes-neuron-like electronics (NeuE)-where the key building blocks mimic the subcellular structural features and mechanical properties of neurons. Full three-dimensional mapping of implanted NeuE-brain interfaces highlights the structural indistinguishability and intimate interpenetration of NeuE and neurons. Time-dependent histology and electrophysiology studies further reveal a structurally and functionally stable interface with the neuronal and glial networks shortly following implantation, thus opening opportunities for next-generation brain-machine interfaces. Finally, the NeuE subcellular structural features are shown to facilitate migration of endogenous neural progenitor cells, thus holding promise as an electrically active platform for transplantation-free regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Theodore J Zwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert D Viveros
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tian-Ming Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Teng Gao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles M Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Schuhmann TG, Zhou T, Hong G, Lee JM, Fu TM, Park HG, Lieber CM. Syringe-injectable Mesh Electronics for Stable Chronic Rodent Electrophysiology. J Vis Exp 2018:58003. [PMID: 30080192 PMCID: PMC6126522 DOI: 10.3791/58003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantable brain electrophysiology probes are valuable tools in neuroscience due to their ability to record neural activity with high spatiotemporal resolution from shallow and deep brain regions. Their use has been hindered, however, by mechanical and structural mismatches between the probes and brain tissue that commonly lead to micromotion and gliosis with resulting signal instability in chronic recording experiments. In contrast, following the implantation of ultraflexible mesh electronics via syringe injection, the mesh probes form a seamless, gliosis-free interface with the surrounding brain tissue that enables stable tracking of individual neurons on at least a year timescale. This protocol details the key steps in a typical mouse neural recording experiment using syringe-injectable mesh electronics, including the fabrication of mesh electronics in a standard photolithography-based process possible at many universities, loading mesh electronics into standard capillary needles, stereotaxic injection in vivo, connection of the mesh input/output to standard instrumentation interfaces, restrained or freely moving recording sessions, and histological sectioning of brain tissue containing mesh electronics. Representative neural recordings and histology data are presented. Investigators familiar with this protocol will have the knowledge necessary to incorporate mesh electronics into their own experiments and take advantage of the unique opportunities afforded by long-term stable neural interfacing, such as studies of aging processes, brain development, and the pathogenesis of brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Schuhmann
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University
| | - Jung Min Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University; Department of Physics, Korea University
| | - Tian-Ming Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University
| | | | - Charles M Lieber
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University;
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Hong G, Viveros RD, Zwang TJ, Yang X, Lieber CM. Tissue-like Neural Probes for Understanding and Modulating the Brain. Biochemistry 2018; 57:3995-4004. [PMID: 29529359 PMCID: PMC6039269 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Electrophysiology tools have contributed substantially to understanding brain function, yet the capabilities of conventional electrophysiology probes have remained limited in key ways because of large structural and mechanical mismatches with respect to neural tissue. In this Perspective, we discuss how the general goal of probe design in biochemistry, that the probe or label have a minimal impact on the properties and function of the system being studied, can be realized by minimizing structural, mechanical, and topological differences between neural probes and brain tissue, thus leading to a new paradigm of tissue-like mesh electronics. The unique properties and capabilities of the tissue-like mesh electronics as well as future opportunities are summarized. First, we discuss the design of an ultraflexible and open mesh structure of electronics that is tissue-like and can be delivered in the brain via minimally invasive syringe injection like molecular and macromolecular pharmaceuticals. Second, we describe the unprecedented tissue healing without chronic immune response that leads to seamless three-dimensional integration with a natural distribution of neurons and other key cells through these tissue-like probes. These unique characteristics lead to unmatched stable long-term, multiplexed mapping and modulation of neural circuits at the single-neuron level on a year time scale. Last, we offer insights on several exciting future directions for the tissue-like electronics paradigm that capitalize on their unique properties to explore biochemical interactions and signaling in a "natural" brain environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Robert D. Viveros
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Theodore J. Zwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Charles M. Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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12
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Microbial nanowires - Electron transport and the role of synthetic analogues. Acta Biomater 2018; 69:1-30. [PMID: 29357319 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Electron transfer is central to cellular life, from photosynthesis to respiration. In the case of anaerobic respiration, some microbes have extracellular appendages that can be utilised to transport electrons over great distances. Two model organisms heavily studied in this arena are Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens. There is some debate over how, in particular, the Geobacter sulfurreducens nanowires (formed from pilin nanofilaments) are capable of achieving the impressive feats of natural conductivity that they display. In this article, we outline the mechanisms of electron transfer through delocalised electron transport, quantum tunnelling, and hopping as they pertain to biomaterials. These are described along with existing examples of the different types of conductivity observed in natural systems such as DNA and proteins in order to provide context for understanding the complexities involved in studying the electron transport properties of these unique nanowires. We then introduce some synthetic analogues, made using peptides, which may assist in resolving this debate. Microbial nanowires and the synthetic analogues thereof are of particular interest, not just for biogeochemistry, but also for the exciting potential bioelectronic and clinical applications as covered in the final section of the review. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Some microbes have extracellular appendages that transport electrons over vast distances in order to respire, such as the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens. There is significant debate over how G. sulfurreducens nanowires are capable of achieving the impressive feats of natural conductivity that they display: This mechanism is a fundamental scientific challenge, with important environmental and technological implications. Through outlining the techniques and outcomes of investigations into the mechanisms of such protein-based nanofibrils, we provide a platform for the general study of the electronic properties of biomaterials. The implications are broad-reaching, with fundamental investigations into electron transfer processes in natural and biomimetic materials underway. From these studies, applications in the medical, energy, and IT industries can be developed utilising bioelectronics.
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Salatino JW, Ludwig KA, Kozai TDY, Purcell EK. Glial responses to implanted electrodes in the brain. Nat Biomed Eng 2017; 1:862-877. [PMID: 30505625 PMCID: PMC6261524 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-017-0154-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The use of implants that can electrically stimulate or record electrophysiological or neurochemical activity in nervous tissue is rapidly expanding. Despite remarkable results in clinical studies and increasing market approvals, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of neuroprosthetic and neuromodulation devices, as well as their side effects and reasons for their failure, remain poorly understood. A major assumption has been that the signal-generating neurons are the only important target cells of neural-interface technologies. However, recent evidence indicates that the supporting glial cells remodel the structure and function of neuronal networks and are an effector of stimulation-based therapy. Here, we reframe the traditional view of glia as a passive barrier, and discuss their role as an active determinant of the outcomes of device implantation. We also discuss the implications that this has on the development of bioelectronic medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Salatino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kip A. Ludwig
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Takashi D. Y. Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neurotech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin K. Purcell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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