MXene-infused bioelectronic interfaces for multiscale electrophysiology and stimulation

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronic interfaces
• Materials science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Current soft bioelectronic interfaces face limitations in resolution, scalability, and cost.
• Existing technologies often rely on expensive materials and fabrication methods.
• A need exists for cost-effective, high-performance biocompatible conductive inks for bioelectronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MXtrodes, a novel class of soft, high-resolution, large-scale bioelectronic interfaces.
• To leverage Ti3C2 MXene and scalable solution processing for advanced bioelectronic devices.
• To demonstrate the superior performance and broad applicability of MXtrodes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Ti3C2 MXene, a two-dimensional transition metal carbide nanomaterial.
• Employed scalable solution processing techniques for MXtrode fabrication.
• Validated performance through various applications including human epidermal electronics, rodent and swine neural recording, and microstimulation.

Main Results:

• MXtrodes exhibit electrochemical properties surpassing conventional materials.
• These interfaces do not require conductive gels for epidermal applications.
• Successful demonstrations in large-scale neuromuscular network mapping and cortical neural interfacing were achieved.

Conclusions:

• MXtrodes represent a significant advancement in soft bioelectronic interfaces.
• The technology enables high-resolution, large-scale mapping and modulation of excitable networks.
• MXtrodes are compatible with clinical neuroimaging, paving the way for new diagnostics and treatments.