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Articular neural bioelectronics by decoupling mechanical strain from electron transport
Tong Li1,2, Fei Jin2, Lisha Hua2,3
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
Science Advances
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed ultraelastic, liquid metal-based bioelectronics for dynamic articular nerves. These devices achieve high stretchability, stable conductivity, and permeability, overcoming limitations of current stretchable electronics for neural interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Implantable bioelectronics for dynamic articular nerves face challenges in achieving mechanical compliance, stable conductivity, and metabolic permeability.
- Current stretchable devices fail to meet the extreme strain requirements (>120%) and physiological needs of articular nerves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel liquid metal-based ultraelastic fibrous bioelectronics for dynamic articular nerves.
- To overcome interfacial and mechanical limitations of existing neuroelectronic interfaces through molecular engineering and structural design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thiol-functionalized self-assembled monolayers on liquid metal nanoparticles for enhanced neural tissue adhesion.
- Engineered anisotropic silver nanowire networks to decouple mechanical strain from electrical conductivity.
- Designed a porous mesh structure for high fluid permeability, facilitating nutrient exchange.
Main Results:
- Achieved negligible resistance variation under 150% repetitive strain due to decoupled strain and electron transport.
- Demonstrated five orders of magnitude higher fluid permeability compared to conventional materials.
- Successfully integrated with rat ulnar nerves for chronic neuromodulation over 6 weeks without functional disruption.
Conclusions:
- Introduced a new class of biomechanically adaptive neuroelectronics overcoming critical limitations for dynamic nerve interfacing.
- The developed technology offers a universal framework for interfacing dynamic biological systems, including prosthetic sensory feedback and neurodegenerative disease treatment.
