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Sun Y, Xiao Z, Chen B, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Material-Assisted Electromagnetic Neural Stimulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400346. [PMID: 38594598 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays a crucial role in organisms, being closely connected to neural activity and physiological processes. Disruptions in the nervous system can lead to chaotic ionic currents at the injured site, causing disturbances in the local cellular microenvironment, impairing biological pathways, and resulting in a loss of neural functions. Electromagnetic stimulation has the ability to generate internal currents, which can be utilized to counter tissue damage and aid in the restoration of movement in paralyzed limbs. By incorporating implanted materials, electromagnetic stimulation can be targeted more accurately, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of such interventions. Currently, there have been significant advancements in the development of numerous promising electromagnetic stimulation strategies with diverse materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental theories, neural stimulation modulating materials, material application strategies, and pre-clinical therapeutic effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation for neural repair. It offers a thorough analysis of current techniques that employ materials to enhance electromagnetic stimulation, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
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2
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Schöbel L, Boccaccini AR. A review of glycosaminoglycan-modified electrically conductive polymers for biomedical applications. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:45-65. [PMID: 37532132 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The application areas of electrically conductive polymers have been steadily growing since their discovery in the late 1970s. Recently, electrically conductive polymers have found their way into biomedicine, allowing the realization of many relevant applications ranging from bioelectronics to scaffolds for tissue engineering. Extracellular matrix components, such as glycosaminoglycans, build an important class of biomaterials that are heavily researched for biomedical applications due to their favorable properties. Due to their highly anionic character and the presence of sulfate groups in glycosaminoglycans, these biomolecules can be employed to functionalize conductive polymers, which enables the tailorability and improvement of cell-material interactions of conductive polymers. This review paper gives an overview of recent research on glycosaminoglycan-modified conductive polymers intended for biomedical applications and discusses the effect of different biological dopants on material characteristics, such as surface roughness, stiffness, and electrochemical properties. Moreover, the key findings of the biological characterization in vitro and in vivo are summarized, and remaining challenges in the field, particularly related to the modification of electrically conductive polymers with glycosaminoglycans to achieve improved functional and biological outcomes, are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of functional biomaterials based on electrically conductive polymers (CPs) for various biomedical applications, such as neural regeneration, drug delivery, or bioelectronics, has been increasingly investigated over the last decades. Recent literature has shown that changes in the synthesis procedure or the chosen dopant could adjust the resulting material characteristics. Hence, an interesting approach lies in using natural biomolecules as dopants for CPs to tailor the biological outcome. This review comprehensively summarizes the state of the art in the field of glycosaminoglycan-modified electrically conductive polymers for the first time, particularly highlighting the effect of the chosen dopant on material characteristics, such as surface morphology or stiffness, electrochemical properties, and consequently, cell-material interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schöbel
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Material Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Cauerstr. 6, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aldo R Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Material Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Cauerstr. 6, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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3
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Savya SP, Li F, Lam S, Wellman SM, Stieger KC, Chen K, Eles JR, Kozai TDY. In vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte reactivity following neural electrode implantation. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121784. [PMID: 36103781 PMCID: PMC10231871 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain computer interfaces (BCIs), including penetrating microelectrode arrays, enable both recording and stimulation of neural cells. However, device implantation inevitably causes injury to brain tissue and induces a foreign body response, leading to reduced recording performance and stimulation efficacy. Astrocytes in the healthy brain play multiple roles including regulating energy metabolism, homeostatic balance, transmission of neural signals, and neurovascular coupling. Following an insult to the brain, they are activated and gather around the site of injury. These reactive astrocytes have been regarded as one of the main contributors to the formation of a glial scar which affects the performance of microelectrode arrays. This study investigates the dynamics of astrocytes within the first 2 weeks after implantation of an intracortical microelectrode into the mouse brain using two-photon microscopy. From our observation astrocytes are highly dynamic during this period, exhibiting patterns of process extension, soma migration, morphological activation, and device encapsulation that are spatiotemporally distinct from other glial cells, such as microglia or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This detailed characterization of astrocyte reactivity will help to better understand the tissue response to intracortical devices and lead to the development of more effective intervention strategies to improve the functional performance of neural interfacing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajishnu P Savya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Northwestern University, USA
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Computational Modeling & Simulation PhD Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Wellman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin C Stieger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Keying Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James R Eles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Takashi D Y Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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4
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Abstract
Neuroprosthetic devices that record and modulate neural activities have demonstrated immense potential for bypassing or restoring lost neurological functions due to neural injuries and disorders. However, implantable electrical devices interfacing with brain tissue are susceptible to a series of inflammatory tissue responses along with mechanical or electrical failures which can affect the device performance over time. Several biomaterial strategies have been implemented to improve device-tissue integration for high quality and stable performance. Ranging from developing smaller, softer, and more flexible electrode designs to introducing bioactive coatings and drug-eluting layers on the electrode surface, such strategies have shown different degrees of success but with limitations. With their hydrophilic properties and specific bioactivities, carbohydrates offer a potential solution for addressing some of the limitations of the existing biomolecular approaches. In this review, we summarize the role of polysaccharides in the central nervous system, with a primary focus on glycoproteins and proteoglycans, to shed light on their untapped potential as biomaterials for neural implants. Utilization of glycosaminoglycans for neural interface and tissue regeneration applications is comprehensively reviewed to provide the current state of carbohydrate-based biomaterials for neural implants. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of applying carbohydrate-based biomaterials for neural tissue interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Dhawan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Kim JU, Park H, Ok J, Lee J, Jung W, Kim J, Kim J, Kim S, Kim YH, Suh M, Kim TI. Cerebrospinal Fluid-philic and Biocompatibility-Enhanced Soft Cranial Window for Long-Term In Vivo Brain Imaging. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:15035-15046. [PMID: 35344336 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft, transparent poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)-based cranial windows in animal models have created many opportunities to investigate brain functions with multiple in vivo imaging modalities. However, due to the hydrophobic nature of PDMS, the wettability by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is poor, which may cause air bubble trapping beneath the window during implantation surgery, and favorable heterogeneous bubble nucleation at the interface between hydrophobic PDMS and CSF. This may result in excessive growth of the entrapped bubble under the soft cranial window. Herein, to yield biocompatibility-enhanced, trapped bubble-minimized, and soft cranial windows, this report introduces a CSF-philic PDMS window coated with hydroxyl-enriched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for long-term in vivo imaging. The PVA-coated PDMS (PVA/PDMS) film exhibits a low contact angle θACA (33.7 ± 1.9°) with artificial CSF solution and maintains sustained CSF-philicity. The presence of the PVA layer achieves air bubble-free implantation of the soft cranial window, as well as induces the formation of a thin wetting film that shows anti-biofouling performance through abundant water molecules on the surface, leading to long-term optical clarity. In vivo studies on the mice cortex verify that the soft and CSF-philic features of the PVA/PDMS film provide minimal damage to neuronal tissues and attenuate immune response. These advantages of the PVA/PDMS window are strongly correlated with the enhancement of cortical hemodynamic changes and the local field potential recorded through the PVA/PDMS film, respectively. This collection of results demonstrates the potential for future microfluidic platforms for minimally invasive CSF extraction utilizing a CSF-philic fluidic passage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Uk Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Park
- IMNEWRUN Inc., N Center Bldg. A 5F, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehyung Ok
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Juheon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin Jung
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyeon Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Suh
- IMNEWRUN Inc., N Center Bldg. A 5F, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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6
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Shi D, Dhawan V, Cui XT. Bio-integrative design of the neural tissue-device interface. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 72:54-61. [PMID: 34710753 PMCID: PMC8671324 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural implants enable bidirectional communications with nervous tissue and have demonstrated tremendous potential in research and clinical applications. To obtain high fidelity and stable information exchange, we need to minimize the undesired host responses and achieve intimate neuron-device interaction. This paper highlights the key bio-integrative strategies aimed at seamless integration through intelligent device designs to minimize the immune responses, as well as incorporate bioactive elements to actively modulate cellular reactions. These approaches span from surface modification and bioactive agent delivery, to biomorphic and biohybrid designs. Many of these strategies have shown effectiveness in functional outcome measures, others are exploratory but with fascinating potentials. The combination of bio-integrative strategies may synergistically promote the next generation of neural interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delin Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Vaishnavi Dhawan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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7
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Khan ZM, Wilts E, Vlaisavljevich E, Long TE, Verbridge SS. Electroresponsive Hydrogels for Therapeutic Applications in the Brain. Macromol Biosci 2021; 22:e2100355. [PMID: 34800348 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Electroresponsive hydrogels possess a conducting material component and respond to electric stimulation through reversible absorption and expulsion of water. The high level of hydration, soft elastomeric compliance, biocompatibility, and enhanced electrochemical properties render these hydrogels suitable for implantation in the brain to enhance the transmission of neural electric signals and ion transport. This review provides an overview of critical electroresponsive hydrogel properties for augmenting electric stimulation in the brain. A background on electric stimulation in the brain through electroresponsive hydrogels is provided. Common conducting materials and general techniques to integrate them into hydrogels are briefly discussed. This review focuses on and summarizes advances in electric stimulation of electroconductive hydrogels for therapeutic applications in the brain, such as for controlling delivery of drugs, directing neural stem cell differentiation and neurogenesis, improving neural biosensor capabilities, and enhancing neural electrode-tissue interfaces. The key challenges in each of these applications are discussed and recommendations for future research are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerin M Khan
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Emily Wilts
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Eli Vlaisavljevich
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Timothy E Long
- Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Scott S Verbridge
- Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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8
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Lee Y, Shin H, Lee D, Choi S, Cho I, Seo J. A Lubricated Nonimmunogenic Neural Probe for Acute Insertion Trauma Minimization and Long-Term Signal Recording. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100231. [PMID: 34085402 PMCID: PMC8336494 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) that link the brain to a machine are promising for the treatment of neurological disorders through the bi-directional translation of neural information over extended periods. However, the longevity of such implanted devices remains limited by the deterioration of their signal sensitivity over time due to acute inflammation from insertion trauma and chronic inflammation caused by the foreign body reaction. To address this challenge, a lubricated surface is fabricated to minimize friction during insertion and avoid immunogenicity during neural signal recording. Reduced friction force leads to 86% less impulse on the brain tissue, and thus immediately increases the number of measured signal electrodes by 102% upon insertion. Furthermore, the signal measurable period increases from 8 to 16 weeks due to the prevention of gliosis. By significantly reducing insertion damage and the foreign body reaction, the lubricated immune-stealthy probe surface (LIPS) can maximize the longevity of implantable BMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeontaek Lee
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Hyogeun Shin
- Center for BioMicrosystemsBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)Seoul02792Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio‐Medical Science & Technology, KIST SchoolKorea University of Science and Technology (UST)Seoul02792Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwon Lee
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Sungah Choi
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Il‐Joo Cho
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
- Center for BioMicrosystemsBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)Seoul02792Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio‐Medical Science & Technology, KIST SchoolKorea University of Science and Technology (UST)Seoul02792Republic of Korea
- Yonsei‐KIST Convergence Research InstituteYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmok Seo
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
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9
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Bourrier A, Szarpak-Jankowska A, Veliev F, Olarte-Hernandez R, Shkorbatova P, Bonizzato M, Rey E, Barraud Q, Briançon-Marjollet A, Auzely R, Courtine G, Bouchiat V, Delacour C. Introducing a biomimetic coating for graphene neuroelectronics: toward in-vivoapplications. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2020; 7. [PMID: 35125348 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ab42d6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Electronic micro and nano-devices are suitable tools to monitor the activity of many individual neurons over mesoscale networks. However the inorganic materials currently used in microelectronics are barely accepted by neural cells and tissues, thus limiting both the sensor lifetime and efficiency. In particular, penetrating intracortical probes face high failure rate because of a wide immune response of cells and tissues. This adverse reaction called gliosis leads to the rejection of the implanted probe after few weeks and prevent long-lasting recordings of cortical neurons. Such acceptance issue impedes the realization of many neuro-rehabilitation projects. To overcome this, graphene and related carbon-based materials have attracted a lot of interest regarding their positive impact on the adhesion and regeneration of neurons, and their ability to provide high-sensitive electronic devices, such as graphene field effect transistor (G-FET). Such devices can also be implemented on numerous suitable substrates including soft substrates to match the mechanical compliance of cells and tissues, improving further the biocompatibility of the implants. Thus, using graphene as a coating and sensing device material could significantly enhance the acceptance of intracortical probes. However, such a thin monolayer of carbon atoms could be teared off during manipulation and insertion within the brain, and could also display degradation over time. In this work, we have investigated the ability to protect graphene with a natural, biocompatible and degradable polymeric film derivated from hyaluronic acid (HA). We demonstrate that HA-based coatings can be deposited over a wide range of substrates, including intracortical probes and graphene FET arrays without altering the underlying device material, its biocompatibility and sensitivity. Moreover, we show that this coating can be monitoredin situby quantifying the number of deposited charges with the G-FET arrays. The reported graphene functionalization offers promising alternatives for improving the acceptance of various neural interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Bourrier
- Institut Néel, CNRS & Université Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Farida Veliev
- Institut Néel, CNRS & Université Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Polina Shkorbatova
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Campus Biotech CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bonizzato
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Campus Biotech CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elodie Rey
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Campus Biotech CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Barraud
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Campus Biotech CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne Briançon-Marjollet
- Grenoble Alpes, HP2 Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1042, Grenoble, France
| | - Rachel Auzely
- University Grenoble Alpes, CERMAV-CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Gregoire Courtine
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain-Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Campus Biotech CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Bouchiat
- Institut Néel, CNRS & Université Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Cécile Delacour
- Institut Néel, CNRS & Université Grenoble Alpes, 38042 Grenoble, France
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10
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Otte E, Cziumplik V, Ruther P, Paul O. Customized Thinning of Silicon-based Neural Probes Down to 2 µm. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:3388-3392. [PMID: 33018731 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9176523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on the customized thinning of neural probes based on silicon (Si) using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) as a post-processing step. The reduced probe dimensions are expected to minimize local tissue trauma, while guaranteeing probe integrity during implantation. For DRIE, the probes are partially masked by a micromachined Si cover chip comprising tailored cavities enabling any desired thinned length l and probe thickness t by a proper choice of cover chip design and DRIE parameters, respectively. A broad variety of probe designs were realized with shank tip thicknesses ranging from 35 µm down to 2 µm. All probes could successfully be implanted into a brain tissue phantom, demonstrating a pronounced reduction in insertion force from 0.55 mN for unprocessed probes to 0.08 mN for 2-µm-thin shanks. When the dura mater was mimicked by a polyethylene (PE) membrane, forces were reduced from 28.9 mN to 16.6 mN for 15-µm-thin shanks.
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11
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Sung C, Jeon W, Nam KS, Kim Y, Butt H, Park S. Multimaterial and multifunctional neural interfaces: from surface-type and implantable electrodes to fiber-based devices. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:6624-6666. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00872a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of neural interfaces from surface electrodes to fibers with various type, functionality, and materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhoon Sung
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Daejeon 34141
- Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin Jeon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Daejeon 34141
- Republic of Korea
| | - Kum Seok Nam
- School of Electrical Engineering
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Daejeon 34141
- Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Daejeon 34141
- Republic of Korea
| | - Haider Butt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Khalifa University
- Abu Dhabi 127788
- United Arab Emirates
| | - Seongjun Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Daejeon 34141
- Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST)
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12
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Wellman SM, Eles JR, Ludwig KA, Seymour JP, Michelson NJ, McFadden WE, Vazquez AL, Kozai TDY. A Materials Roadmap to Functional Neural Interface Design. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1701269. [PMID: 29805350 PMCID: PMC5963731 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201701269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Advancement in neurotechnologies for electrophysiology, neurochemical sensing, neuromodulation, and optogenetics are revolutionizing scientific understanding of the brain while enabling treatments, cures, and preventative measures for a variety of neurological disorders. The grand challenge in neural interface engineering is to seamlessly integrate the interface between neurobiology and engineered technology, to record from and modulate neurons over chronic timescales. However, the biological inflammatory response to implants, neural degeneration, and long-term material stability diminish the quality of interface overtime. Recent advances in functional materials have been aimed at engineering solutions for chronic neural interfaces. Yet, the development and deployment of neural interfaces designed from novel materials have introduced new challenges that have largely avoided being addressed. Many engineering efforts that solely focus on optimizing individual probe design parameters, such as softness or flexibility, downplay critical multi-dimensional interactions between different physical properties of the device that contribute to overall performance and biocompatibility. Moreover, the use of these new materials present substantial new difficulties that must be addressed before regulatory approval for use in human patients will be achievable. In this review, the interdependence of different electrode components are highlighted to demonstrate the current materials-based challenges facing the field of neural interface engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Wellman
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - James R Eles
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Kip A Ludwig
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - John P Seymour
- Electrical & Computer Engineering, 1301 Beal Ave., 2227 EECS, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Nicholas J Michelson
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - William E McFadden
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Alberto L Vazquez
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Takashi D Y Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Basis of Neural Cognition, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 208 Center for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
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13
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Ham TR, Leipzig ND. Biomaterial strategies for limiting the impact of secondary events following spinal cord injury. Biomed Mater 2018; 13:024105. [PMID: 29155409 PMCID: PMC5824690 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa9bbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nature of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often involves limited recovery and long-term quality of life complications. The initial injury sets off a variety of secondary cascades, which result in an expanded lesion area. Ultimately, the native tissue fails to regenerate. As treatments are developed in the laboratory, the management of this secondary cascade is an important first step in achieving recovery of normal function. Current literature identifies four broad targets for intervention: inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier, and formation of an inhibitory glial scar. Because of the complex and interconnected nature of these events, strategies that combine multiple therapies together show much promise. Specifically, approaches that rely on biomaterials to perform a variety of functions are generating intense research interest. In this review, we examine each target and discuss how biomaterials are currently used to address them. Overall, we show that there are an impressive amount of biomaterials and combinatorial treatments which show good promise for slowing secondary events and improving outcomes. If more emphasis is placed on growing our understanding of how materials can manage secondary events, treatments for SCI can be designed in an increasingly rational manner, ultimately improving their potential for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 275, West Tower, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, United States of America
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14
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Scaini D, Ballerini L. Nanomaterials at the neural interface. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2017; 50:50-55. [PMID: 29289930 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interfacing the nervous system with devices able to efficiently record or modulate the electrical activity of neuronal cells represents the underlying foundation of future theranostic applications in neurology and of current openings in neuroscience research. These devices, usually sensing cell activity via microelectrodes, should be characterized by safe working conditions in the biological milieu together with a well-controlled operation-life. The stable device/neuronal electrical coupling at the interface requires tight interactions between the electrode surface and the cell membrane. This neuro-electrode hybrid represents the hyphen between the soft nature of neural tissue, generating electrical signals via ion motions, and the rigid realm of microelectronics and medical devices, dealing with electrons in motion. Efficient integration of these entities is essential for monitoring, analyzing and controlling neuronal signaling but poses significant technological challenges. Improving the cell/electrode interaction and thus the interface performance requires novel engineering of (nano)materials: tuning at the nanoscale electrode's properties may lead to engineer interfacing probes that better camouflaged with their biological target. In this brief review, we highlight the most recent concepts in nanotechnologies and nanomaterials that might help reducing the mismatch between tissue and electrode, focusing on the device's mechanical properties and its biological integration with the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Scaini
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. di interesse nazionale, S.S. 14, km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
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15
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Kim S, Jang Y, Jang LK, Sunwoo SH, Kim TI, Cho SW, Lee JY. Electrochemical deposition of dopamine–hyaluronic acid conjugates for anti-biofouling bioelectrodes. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:4507-4513. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb00028f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemical deposition of dopamine-hyaluronic acid conjugates onto electrode surfaces can lead to preserved electrochemical activities and anti-biofouling properties of the electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semin Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Engineering (GIST)
- Gwangju 500-712
- Republic of Korea
| | - Yohan Jang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Engineering (GIST)
- Gwangju 500-712
- Republic of Korea
| | - Lindy K. Jang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Engineering (GIST)
- Gwangju 500-712
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hyuk Sunwoo
- School of Chemical Engineering
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
- Suwon 440-746
- Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
- Suwon 440-746
- Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology
- Yonsei University
- Seoul 120-749
- Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Engineering (GIST)
- Gwangju 500-712
- Republic of Korea
- Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
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16
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Electroconductive natural polymer-based hydrogels. Biomaterials 2016; 111:40-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Gilmour AD, Woolley AJ, Poole-Warren LA, Thomson CE, Green RA. A critical review of cell culture strategies for modelling intracortical brain implant material reactions. Biomaterials 2016; 91:23-43. [PMID: 26994876 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The capacity to predict in vivo responses to medical devices in humans currently relies greatly on implantation in animal models. Researchers have been striving to develop in vitro techniques that can overcome the limitations associated with in vivo approaches. This review focuses on a critical analysis of the major in vitro strategies being utilized in laboratories around the world to improve understanding of the biological performance of intracortical, brain-implanted microdevices. Of particular interest to the current review are in vitro models for studying cell responses to penetrating intracortical devices and their materials, such as electrode arrays used for brain computer interface (BCI) and deep brain stimulation electrode probes implanted through the cortex. A background on the neural interface challenge is presented, followed by discussion of relevant in vitro culture strategies and their advantages and disadvantages. Future development of 2D culture models that exhibit developmental changes capable of mimicking normal, postnatal development will form the basis for more complex accurate predictive models in the future. Although not within the scope of this review, innovations in 3D scaffold technologies and microfluidic constructs will further improve the utility of in vitro approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Gilmour
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - A J Woolley
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L A Poole-Warren
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C E Thomson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - R A Green
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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