Flexible and biodegradable electronic implants for diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases

Abstract

In the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases, implantable devices have immense potential for intracranial sensing of brain activity and application of controlled therapy for providing feedback to the sensing. Flexible materials are preferred for implantable devices, as they can minimise implanted device-brain tissue mechanical mismatch. Moreover, biodegradable implantable devices can reduce potential immunological side-effects. Biodegradability also helps avoid the burdensome secondary surgery for retrieving the implanted device. In this study, we reviewed recent advancements related to the use of flexible and biodegradable type of implantable devices for the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. Representative cases of intracranial sensing and feedback therapy are introduced, and then a brief discussion concludes the review.