A Nonsurgical Brain Implant Enabled by Cell–Electronics Hybrid for Focal Neuromodulation
Bioelectronic implants for brain stimulation help treat neurological disorders but typically require invasive surgery. To create a noninvasive alternative, researchers developed nonsurgical implants made of immune cell–electronics hybrids, an approach named Circulatronics.
These hybrid devices can be intravenously delivered and autonomously travel to inflamed brain areas. Once there, they implant and allow neuromodulation without the need for surgery.
Design and Mechanism
- Wireless, subcellular-sized photovoltaic devices were engineered to harvest optical energy efficiently.
- These devices attach covalently to monocytes, a type of immune cell, creating a hybrid that can navigate through the bloodstream.
- When administered intravenously to mice, the hybrids reach inflamed brain regions and implant themselves precisely.
Experimental Results
In mice, the nonsurgical implantation targeted inflamed brain areas, relevant for treating multiple neurological diseases. Neural stimulation was achieved with a precision of 30 micrometers around the targeted inflammation.
"By fusing electronic functionality with the biological transport and targeting capabilities of living cells, this technology can form the foundation for autonomously implanting bioelectronics."
Implanted electronic devices provide valuable tools for diagnosis, therapy, and research within the body.
Author's Summary
This innovative cell–electronics hybrid technology enables precise, nonsurgical brain implants by harnessing immune cells to deliver and activate wireless bioelectronic devices at targeted inflamed regions.
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