Cellularized, needle-deployed intracortical arrays for brain electrophysiology
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Updated: Nov 9, 2026
Surgical Training for the Implantation of Neocortical Microelectrode Arrays Using a Formaldehyde-fixed Human Cadaver Model
Published on: November 19, 2017
Alexander J Boys1,2, Alejandro Carnicer Lombarte3,4, Salim El-Hadwe3,5
1Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 0AS UK.
Abstract:
Bioelectronic medicine enables direct interfacing with native cell populations but remains limited by poor long-term integration and minimal interaction with non-electroactive cells. In contrast, regenerative medicine promotes tissue integration yet lacks bidirectional functionality. Here, we present a hybrid implantation methodology combining a tissue engineered cellularized hydrogel with a neural recording array for simultaneous delivery into the brain via needle placement. This approach enables co-localized transplantation of cells and electronics while minimizing surgical footprint. Post-implantation electrophysiological recordings show functional integration with surrounding neural tissue, demonstrating the feasibility of this platform for coupled bioelectronic sensing and regenerative capabilities.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-026-01033-7.
