Directly into the brain: A 3D multifunctional and flexible neural
interface
Novel design of brain chip implant allows for measuring neuronal activity while simultaneously delivering drugs to the implant site

Date:
October 2, 2021
Source:
DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)
Summary:
Although measuring the electrical activity of neurons is
useful in many disciplines, making durable neural interfacing
brain chip implants with negligible adverse effects has
proven challenging. Now, scientists have developed a flexible
multifunctional neural interface that can not only register local
brain activity in real time, but also deliver a steady flow of drugs
through innovative microfluidic channels, reducing tissue reactions
to the chip. Their design could find widespread application in
neuroscience and neuromedicine.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Being able to measure the electrical activity of the brain has
helped us gain a much better understanding of the brain's processes,
functions, and diseases over the past decades. So far, much of this
activity has been measured via electrodes placed on the scalp (through electroencephalography (EEG)); however, being able to acquire signals
directly from inside the brain itself (through neural interfacing
devices) during daily life activities could take neuroscience and
neuromedicine to completely new levels. A major setback to this plan
is that, unfortunately, implementing neural interfaces has proven to be remarkably challenging.


==========================================================================
The materials used in the minuscule electrodes that make contact with
the neurons, as well as those of all connectors, should be flexible
yet durable enough to withstand a relatively harsh environment in the
body. Previous attempts at developing long-lasting brain interfaces have
proven challenging because the natural biological responses of the body,
such as inflammation, degrade the electrical performance of the electrodes
over time. But what if we had some practical way to locally administer anti-inflammatory drugs where the electrodes make contact with the brain?
In a recent study published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, a team
of Korean researchers developed a novel multifunctional brain interface
that can simultaneously register neuronal activity and deliver liquid
drugs to the implantation site. Unlike existing rigid devices, their
design has a flexible 3D structure in which an array of microneedles is
used to gather multiple neural signals over an area, and thin metallic conductive lines carry these signals to an external circuit. One of the
most remarkable aspects of this study is that, by strategically stacking
and micromachining multiple polymer layers, the scientists managed to incorporate microfluidic channels on a plane parallel to the conductive
lines. These channels are connected to a small reservoir (which contains
the drugs to be administered) and can carry a steady flow of liquid
toward the microneedles.

The team validated their approach through brain interface experiments
on live rats, followed by an analysis of the drug concentration
in the tissue around the needles. The overall results are very
promising, as Prof. Sohee Kim from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of
Science and Technology (DGIST), Korea, who led the study, remarks:
"The flexibility and functionalities of our device will help make
it more compatible with biological tissues and decrease adverse
effects, all of which contribute to increasing the lifespan of
the neural interface." The development of durable multifunctional
brain interfaces has implications across multiple disciplines. "Our
device may be suitable for brain-machine interfaces, which enable
paralyzed people to move robotic arms or legs using their thoughts,
and for treating neurological diseases using electrical and/or chemical stimulation over years," explains Dr. Yoo Na Kang of the Korea Institute
of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), first author of the study. Let us hope
many people benefit from a direct and durable connection to the brain! ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by DGIST_(Daegu_Gyeongbuk_Institute_of_Science_and Technology). Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Yoo Na Kang, Namsun Chou, Jae-Won Jang, Han Kyoung Choe, Sohee
Kim. A 3D
flexible neural interface based on a microfluidic interconnection
cable capable of chemical delivery. Microsystems & Nanoengineering,
2021; 7 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00295-6 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211002123009.htm

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