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Anisotropic Hydrogel Microelectrodes for Intraspinal Neural Recordings in vivo
Research Square
|August 26, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed durable, stretchable hydrogel fibers using carbon nanotubes for long-term neural recording. These advanced neural interfaces show promise for monitoring brain and muscle activity in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neuroscience
- Bioelectronics
Background:
- Developing durable, motion-compliant neural interfaces is essential for in vivo studies and linking neural activity with behavior.
- Existing neural interfaces often lack the required durability and flexibility for long-term dynamic tissue monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create conductive, anisotropic hydrogel fibers for advanced neural interfaces.
- To investigate the self-alignment of carbon nanotubes within a hydrogel matrix under cyclic tension.
- To evaluate the performance and long-term stability of these hydrogel fibers as bioelectronic devices for neural recording.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of high aspect ratio carbon nanotubes into semi-crystalline polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels.
- Creation of electrically anisotropic percolation pathways via cyclic stretching.
- Fabrication of fiber-shaped hydrogel devices and implantation into mice for in vivo recordings.
- Electrophysiological recording of spinal cord neurons and muscle activity during optogenetic stimulation.
Main Results:
- Anisotropic hydrogel fibers exhibited fatigue resistance (20,000 cycles at 20% strain) and high stretchability (64.5 ± 7.9%).
- Achieved low electrochemical impedance (900 ± 149 kΩ @ 1kHz) with observed nanofiller alignment and decreased impedance along the stretching direction.
- Successfully recorded electromyographic signals and simultaneous neural activity from spinal cord neurons and muscles.
- Demonstrated device functionality and repeatable recordings over eight months post-implantation.
Conclusions:
- The developed anisotropic hydrogel fibers offer a durable and motion-compliant solution for neural interfacing.
- These bioelectronic devices show significant potential for long-term, in vivo neurophysiological monitoring.
- The findings highlight a novel approach for creating advanced neural interfaces with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties.
