Multifunctional Electrode/Neural Integration Interface Enabling Chronic High-Fidelity Neural Recording and an...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Neural Engineering

Background:

• Neural electrodes face challenges like inflammation, biofouling, and impedance, limiting long-term performance.
• These issues compromise the quality of neural recording and stimulation, hindering clinical applications.
• Developing stable and effective neural interfaces is crucial for advancing brain-computer technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a multifunctional polyamino acid interface for enhanced neural interfacing.
• To improve biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and antifouling properties of neural electrodes.
• To enable stable, long-term neural recording and stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Coating flexible neural electrodes with a multifunctional polyamino acid interface.
• Chronic implantation in rodent models to assess electrode performance and tissue response.
• High-fidelity single-unit recordings and neuromodulation efficiency measurements.
• Multi-omics analysis to investigate host tissue response at a molecular level.

Main Results:

• The functionalized electrodes demonstrated high-fidelity single-unit recordings for over 300 days.
• Significantly higher spike amplitudes and yield were observed compared to bare electrodes.
• Neuromodulation efficiency improved by an order of magnitude, requiring only 2 µA.
• Multi-omics analysis revealed an attenuated inflammatory state and improved tissue homeostasis.
• Damage-free electrode removal and recovery were facilitated, preserving neural architecture.

Conclusions:

• The polyamino acid interface enhances neural interfacing by improving biocompatibility and reducing adverse tissue reactions.
• This platform enables stable, high-fidelity neural recording and efficient neuromodulation over extended periods.
• The developed interface offers a promising strategy for next-generation, clinically viable neural-computer interfaces.