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Development of optically controlled "living electrodes" with long-projecting axon tracts for a synaptic brain-machine
Dayo O Adewole1,2,3,4, Laura A Struzyna1,2,3,4, Justin C Burrell1,2,3
1Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Science Advances
|February 1, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed implantable "living electrodes" using neurons within hydrogels. These biological neural interfaces offer improved specificity and longevity for brain monitoring and modulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Current inorganic microelectrodes for neural interfaces face challenges in specificity and long-term stability.
- A biological intermediary could enhance neural interface performance through synaptic integration and optogenetic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize implantable
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hydrogel cylinders containing cortical neurons and axonal tracts.
- In vitro assessment of axonal outgrowth, cytoarchitecture, and optobiological recording capabilities.
- In vivo transplantation in rat cortex to evaluate survival, integration, and optical recording.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful fabrication and rapid axonal outgrowth of living electrode constructs.
- Confirmed reproducible cytoarchitecture and simultaneous optical stimulation/recording in vitro.
- Showcased successful transplantation, survival, integration, and optical recording in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Developed functional, optically controllable living electrodes as a novel neural interface paradigm.
- Living electrodes offer potential for improved specificity and longevity compared to inorganic electrodes.
- These optobiological tools represent a critical advancement for neural interfacing applications.
