Adaptive and multifunctional hydrogel hybrid probes for long-term sensing and modulation of neural activity
Abstract
To understand the underlying mechanisms of progressive neurophysiological phenomena, neural interfaces should interact bi-directionally with brain circuits over extended periods of time. However, such interfaces remain limited by the foreign body response that stems from the chemo-mechanical mismatch between the probes and the neural tissues. To address this challenge, we developed a multifunctional sensing and actuation platform consisting of multimaterial fibers intimately integrated within a soft hydrogel matrix mimicking the brain tissue. These hybrid devices possess adaptive bending stiffness determined by the hydration states of the hydrogel matrix. This enables their direct insertion into the deep brain regions, while minimizing tissue damage associated with the brain micromotion after implantation. The hydrogel hybrid devices permit electrophysiological, optogenetic, and behavioral studies of neural circuits with minimal foreign body responses and tracking of stable isolated single neuron potentials in freely moving mice over 6 months following implantation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1038/s41467-021-23802-9
Entities
People
- Andres Canales
- Eyob W. Woldeghebriel
- Gloria Choi
- Hyunwoo Yuk
- Jeewoo Kang
- Polina Anikeeva
- Ruike Zhao
- Seongjun Park
- Xuanhe Zhao
- Yeong Shin Yim
- Yoel Fink
Organizations
- Division of Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing Innovation
- Division of Engineering Education & Centers
- Division of Materials Research
- Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
- Engineer Research and Development Center
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Research Foundation of Korea