Adaptive and multifunctional hydrogel hybrid probes for long-term sensing and modulation of neural activity

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 8;12(1):3435. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23802-9.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Biological Assay
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / physiopathology
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Molecular Probes / chemistry*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Optogenetics
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Molecular Probes