Adaptive and multifunctional hydrogel hybrid probes for long-term sensing and modulation of neural activity

Seongjun Park, Hyunwoo Yuk, Ruike Zhao, Yeong Shin Yim, Eyob W. Woldeghebriel, Jeewoo Kang, Andres Canales, Yoel Fink, Gloria B. Choi, Xuanhe Zhao () and Polina Anikeeva ()
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Seongjun Park: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hyunwoo Yuk: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ruike Zhao: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Yeong Shin Yim: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Eyob W. Woldeghebriel: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jeewoo Kang: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Andres Canales: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Yoel Fink: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Gloria B. Choi: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Xuanhe Zhao: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Polina Anikeeva: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract To understand the underlying mechanisms of progressive neurophysiological phenomena, neural interfaces should interact bi-directionally with brain circuits over extended periods of time. However, such interfaces remain limited by the foreign body response that stems from the chemo-mechanical mismatch between the probes and the neural tissues. To address this challenge, we developed a multifunctional sensing and actuation platform consisting of multimaterial fibers intimately integrated within a soft hydrogel matrix mimicking the brain tissue. These hybrid devices possess adaptive bending stiffness determined by the hydration states of the hydrogel matrix. This enables their direct insertion into the deep brain regions, while minimizing tissue damage associated with the brain micromotion after implantation. The hydrogel hybrid devices permit electrophysiological, optogenetic, and behavioral studies of neural circuits with minimal foreign body responses and tracking of stable isolated single neuron potentials in freely moving mice over 6 months following implantation.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23802-9

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