Rapid custom prototyping of soft poroelastic biosensor for simultaneous epicardial recording and imaging

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 17;12(1):3710. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23959-3.

Abstract

The growing need for the implementation of stretchable biosensors in the body has driven rapid prototyping schemes through the direct ink writing of multidimensional functional architectures. Recent approaches employ biocompatible inks that are dispensable through an automated nozzle injection system. However, their application in medical practices remains challenged in reliable recording due to their viscoelastic nature that yields mechanical and electrical hysteresis under periodic large strains. Herein, we report sponge-like poroelastic silicone composites adaptable for high-precision direct writing of custom-designed stretchable biosensors, which are soft and insensitive to strains. Their unique structural properties yield a robust coupling to living tissues, enabling high-fidelity recording of spatiotemporal electrophysiological activity and real-time ultrasound imaging for visual feedback. In vivo evaluations of custom-fit biosensors in a murine acute myocardial infarction model demonstrate a potential clinical utility in the simultaneous intraoperative recording and imaging on the epicardium, which may guide definitive surgical treatments.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Line
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Ink
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Myoblasts / metabolism
  • Myoblasts / pathology
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pericardium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Silicones / chemistry
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis
  • Swine
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Silicones