Bioinspired flexible electronics for seamless neural interfacing and chronic recording.

Hongbian Li,Ying Fang,Jinfen Wang

doi:10.1039/d0na00323a

Hongbian Li, Ying Fang + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1039/d0na00323a

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Abstract

Implantable neural probes are among the most widely applied tools for the understanding of neural circuit functions and the treatment of neurological disorders. Despite remarkable progress in recent years, it is still challenging for conventional rigid probes to achieve stable neural recording over long periods of time. Recently, flexible electronics with biomimetic structures and mechanical properties have been demonstrated for the formation of seamless probe–neural interfaces, enabling long-term recording stability. In this review, we provide an overview of bioinspired flexible electronics, from their structural design to probe–brain interfaces and chronic neural recording applications. Opportunities of bioinspired flexible electronics in fundamental neuroscience and clinical studies are also discussed.

Highlights

Brain functions arise from concerted activity of large populations of neurons.[1]
Flexible electronics with biomimetic structures and mechanical properties have been demonstrated for the formation of seamless probe–neural interfaces, enabling long-term recording stability
We provide an overview of bioinspired flexible electronics, from their structural design to probe–brain interfaces and chronic neural recording applications

Summary

Introduction

Jinfen Wang is an assistant professor in National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China. Her research interests include exible neural probe fabrication and neural signal recording. In order to achieve a stable neural interface, electrode materials should have the following structural and functional properties: (i) stable electrical properties, including low impedance for high signal-to-noise ratio recording; (ii) tissue-like so ness and exibility; and (iii) high biocompatibility.[18] Recently, bioinspired exible electronics have been attracting increasing interests for neural interfacing because of their structural and mechanical similarity with the brain tissue.[13,19,20] Distinct from conventional planar probes, these bioinspired exible electronics can form three-dimensional (3D) and seamless interfaces with brain tissues and allow for stable neural recording over extended periods of time. We summarize recent developments of bioinspired exible electronics that enable long-term stable chronic recording, with an emphasis on their biomimetic design and seamless biointegration. Prospects of bioinspired exible electronics in fundamental neuroscience and clinical applications are summarized

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Findings

Conclusions and prospects