Bioinspired neuron-like electronics

Nat Mater. 2019 May;18(5):510-517. doi: 10.1038/s41563-019-0292-9. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Abstract

As an important application of functional biomaterials, neural probes have contributed substantially to studying the brain. Bioinspired and biomimetic strategies have begun to be applied to the development of neural probes, although these and previous generations of probes have had structural and mechanical dissimilarities from their neuron targets that lead to neuronal loss, neuroinflammatory responses and measurement instabilities. Here, we present a bioinspired design for neural probes-neuron-like electronics (NeuE)-where the key building blocks mimic the subcellular structural features and mechanical properties of neurons. Full three-dimensional mapping of implanted NeuE-brain interfaces highlights the structural indistinguishability and intimate interpenetration of NeuE and neurons. Time-dependent histology and electrophysiology studies further reveal a structurally and functionally stable interface with the neuronal and glial networks shortly following implantation, thus opening opportunities for next-generation brain-machine interfaces. Finally, the NeuE subcellular structural features are shown to facilitate migration of endogenous neural progenitor cells, thus holding promise as an electrically active platform for transplantation-free regenerative medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biomimetics
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces*
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Electronics*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nanomedicine
  • Neurites
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Refractometry
  • Research Design
  • Stereotaxic Techniques
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins