Dexamethasone-loaded platelet-inspired nanoparticles improve intracortical microelectrode recording performance

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Intracortical microelectrode (IME) insertion triggers neuroinflammation, impacting brain-machine interface (BMI) performance.
• Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage and microhemorrhage exacerbate neuroinflammation and reduce neural recording quality.
• Platelets and coagulation factors accumulate at the insertion site, contributing to the inflammatory response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if systemic administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate-loaded platelet-inspired nanoparticles (SPPINDEX) can improve IME neural recording performance.
• To assess SPPINDEX's ability to promote hemostasis, facilitate BBB healing, and enable targeted drug delivery.
• To evaluate SPPINDEX's efficacy compared to control treatments.

Main Methods:

• Systemic administration of SPPINDEX weekly for 8 weeks in a rodent model.
• Assessment of IME recording capabilities using extracellular single-unit recordings.
• Immunohistochemical analysis of neuron density, glial cell activation, and BBB permeability.

Main Results:

• SPPINDEX treatment significantly improved IME recording capabilities compared to controls (PIN, Free DEXSP, TH).
• Reduced neuron degeneration and glial activation at the implant interface were observed.
• Decreased infiltration of blood-derived proteins and improved BBB integrity were noted.

Conclusions:

• SPPINDEX effectively attenuates neuroinflammation and promotes BBB healing after IME insertion.
• Targeted delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate via platelet-inspired nanoparticles enhances neural recording performance.
• SPPINDEX offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving long-term BMI functionality.