Live Animals Research Articles

Paradise Lost in Derrida and Agamben: onto-theology of animal life

ABSTRACT In this essay, I explore the philosophical resonance of the theological notion of Paradise in the works of Giorgio Agamben and Jacques Derrida through the question of the Paradisiacal belonging of animal life. What is the significance of Paradise for these authors? This essay undertakes the search for the meaning of Paradise by way of these thinkers’ assessment of animal or creaturely life. I argue that their differing attitudes towards the life of the animal or creature expose a fundamental discord concerning exactly this issue: the significance of theology, and the myth of Paradise and the Fall. To be precise, it is argued that Derrida means to preclude the narrative of the Fall. Agamben, on the other hand, takes the animal as creature, and thus as a proper theological subject – which in this context means an Edenic exile – and accordingly as a proper subject of redemption. So, where Derrida intervenes in an encounter between human and animal prior to Paradise, Agamben joins the story after man was driven from it. In turn, this essay covers the issue of Derrida and Agamben’s messianic terminologies, the ontology of the animal as being-after, and ultimately, the conceptual understanding of Paradise.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Optical Transducers for Nanobiosensors In Vivo.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) may serve as signal transducers for nanobiosensors. Recent studies have developed innovative methods of engineering molecularly specific sensors, while others have devised methods of deploying such sensors within live animals and plants. These advances may potentiate the use of implantable, noninvasive biosensors for continuous drug, disease, and contaminant monitoring based on the optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Such tools have substantial potential to improve disease diagnostics, prognosis, drug safety, therapeutic response, and patient compliance. Outside of clinical applications, such sensors also have substantial potential in environmental monitoring or as research tools in the lab. However, substantial work remains to be done to realize these goals through further advances in materials science and engineering. Here, we review the current landscape of quantitative SWCNT-based optical biosensors that have been deployed in living plants and animals. Specifically, we focused this review on methods that have been developed to deploy SWCNT-based sensors in vivo as well as analytes that have been detected by SWCNTs in vivo. Finally, we evaluated potential future directions to take advantage of the promise outlined here toward field-deployable or implantable use in patients.

Sparstolonin B potentiates the antitumor activity of nanovesicle-loaded drugs by suppressing the phagocytosis of macrophages in vivo

BackgroundExtracellular vesicles (EVs) and extruded nanovesicles (ENVs) are promising nanovesicles (NVs) for drug delivery. However, the application of these NVs is strongly hindered by their short half-life in the circulation. Macrophages (Mφs) in the liver and spleen contribute to the rapid depletion of NVs, but the underlying mechanism is unclear.MethodsBy collecting the supernatant of PANC-1 cells and squeezing PANC-1 cells, EVs and ENVs derived from PANC-1 cells were prepared via ultracentrifugation. NVs were subsequently identified via western blot, particle size measurement, and electron microscopy. The distribution of NVs in mouse bodies was observed with a live animal imaging system. Liver Mφs were extracted and isolated after NVs were administered, and transcriptome profiling was applied to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs). siRNAs targeting interested genes were designed and synthesized. In vitro experiments, Mφs were transfected with siRNA or treated with the corresponding inhibitor, after which NV uptake was recorded. Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in ENVs using an ultrasound method. PANC-1 cell-derived tumors were established in nude mice in vivo, inhibitor pretreatment or no treatment was administered before intravenous injection of ENVs-DOX, and the therapeutic efficacy of ENVs-DOX was evaluated.ResultsNVs derived from PANC-1 cells were first prepared and identified. After intravenous injection, most NVs were engulfed by Mφs in the liver and spleen. Seven genes of interest were selected via transcriptome sequencing and validated via RT‒PCR. These results confirmed that the TLR2 signaling pathway is responsible for phagocytosis. siTLR2 and its inhibitor sparstolonin B (SpB) significantly inhibited the internalization of NVs by Mφs and downregulated the activity of the TLR2 pathway. The accumulation of ENVs-DOX in the liver was inhibited in vivo by pretreatment with SpB 40 min before intravenous injection, ultimately delaying tumor progression.ConclusionThe TLR2 pathway plays a crucial role in the sequestration of NVs by Mφs. A novel antiphagocytic strategy in which pretreatment of mice with SpB inhibits the clearance of NVs and prolongs their half-life in vivo, thereby improving delivery efficiency, was identified.Graphical

Landslide susceptibility mapping using combined geospatial, FR and AHP models: a case study from Ethiopia’s highlands

This study performed landslide susceptibility mapping in Awabel Woreda, situated in the east Gojjam zone of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. The occurrence of landslides and slope instability is widespread in Awabel Woreda, leading to the devastation of agricultural fields, crops, and residences, the demise of animal life, and the forced relocation of local inhabitants from their dwellings. The present investigation utilized remote sensing and GIS techniques in conjunction with the Frequency Ratio (FR) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) models to map landslide risk zones. For the landslide susceptibility mapping of this study, nine causative factors, such as “elevation, slope, aspect, drainage density, lineament density, land use and land cover (LULC), soil texture, rainfall, and lithology”, were considered. A total of 130 past landslide events were identified via field survey and Google Earth image, of which 70% (91) of them were used as training datasets and 30% (39) were used as validation datasets of the proposed models (i.e., FR and AHP). The nine contributing variables and their classes were evaluated, and factor weights were computed using the IDRISI Selva 17.0 expert programme. The landslide susceptibility indexes (LSI) of the FR and AHP models were calculated and categorized into five relative zones using ArcGIS 10.7. The landslide susceptibility map (LSM) produced by the FR model shows that 93.2 km2 (14.52%) of the study area is classified as very low susceptibility, 167.51 km2 (26.09%) as low susceptibility, 174.10 km2 (27.12%) as moderate susceptibility, 137.03 km2 (21.34%) as high susceptibility, and 70.30 km2 (10.93%) as very high susceptibility to landslides. Based on the AHP model's LSM, different landslide susceptibility zones were identified in the study area. Specifically, 140.46 km2 (21.88%) of the region falls into the very low susceptibility zone, 116.78 km2 (18.59%) falls into the low susceptibility zone, 147.94 km2 (23.04%) falls into the moderate susceptibility zone, 154.04 km2 (23.99%) falls into the high susceptibility zone, and 82.78 km2 (12.89%) falls into the very high susceptibility zone. The validation investigation demonstrated that the FR and AHP models had accuracy rates of 89.73 and 87.18%, respectively. The FR model exhibited marginally more accurate results than AHP, primarily because of the direct correlation between previous and current occurrences of landslides. Nevertheless, the AHP model’s effectiveness relies on the individual’s expertise and the characteristics of the components that cause the outcome. The landslide susceptibility maps generated through these models provide valuable insights for land management and disaster mitigation efforts, with delineated zones indicating very low to very high susceptibility areas.

Morpholine Anchored Fluorogenic Toolkit: Unveiled Disease Allied Protein Fibrillation in Lysosomal Compartment of Live-Cell and Drosophila Models.

The aberrant accumulation of cytotoxic protein aggregates is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative ailments, necessitating the development of sensitive and selective tools for their detection. Herein, we report a series of morpholine-anchored fluorescent probes, denoted as SC-nmor (n = 2, 4, 6), designed for facile visualization of protein aggregates. These probes display notable changes in their photophysical properties upon binding with protein aggregates, owing to their high sensitivity to the fibrillar microenvironment. Specifically, the SC-4mor probe demonstrates strong selectivity for aggregated insulin proteins over native insulin, accompanied by a significant enhancement in fluorescence lifetime. Live-cell imaging reveals an exclusive localization at the lysosomal compartment. This feature enables the visualization of lysosomal accumulated protein fibrils induced with pepstatin A. Additionally, in vivo assessments on genetically mutated and dietary-modified Drosophila melanogaster, representing neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative disease models, demonstrate staining of protein aggregates. The enhanced emission from the eye lobes of Aβ-mutated and HSD brain samples, suggesting that SC-4mor can exhibit adequate retention in the brain with minimal biological toxicity. SC-4mor also shows its capability to cross the blood-brain barrier in mice model. Consequently, SC-4mor emerges as a promising marker for detecting and monitoring neurotoxic protein fibrillation in live cells and animal models, offering potential insights into the pathogenesis and progression of protein aggregation.

Comparative liver transcriptome analysis in hamsters infected with food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, or Clonorchis sinensis.

Epidemiologically important food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are recognized as biological carcinogens of Group 1A, while Opisthorchis felineus is in Group 3 as noncarcinogenic to humans. Mechanisms of the biological carcinogenesis are still elusive. Some studies highlight chronic inflammation as a key factor and common pathway for cancer initiation and progression. Nonetheless, the chronic inflammation alone does not explain why these three species differ in carcinogenicity. We focused this study on genome-wide landscapes of liver gene expression and activation of cellular pathways in Mesocricetus auratus golden hamsters infected with C. sinensis (South Korea), O. viverrini (Thailand), or O. felineus (Russia) at 1 and 3 months after infection initiation. Liver transcriptomes of golden hamsters (HiSeq Illumina, 2X150 bp) were sequenced at 1 and 3 months postinfection. Data processing was carried out using the following bioinformatic and experimental approaches: analysis of differential gene expression, estimates of proportions of affected liver cell types, liver histopathology, and examination of weighted gene coexpression networks. All infections caused enrichment with inflammatory response signaling pathways, fibrogenesis and cell proliferation, and IL2-STAT5, TNF-NF-κB, TGF-β, Hippo, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Nevertheless, species-specific responses to each infection were noted too. We also identified species-specific responses of liver cell types, differentially expressed gene clusters, and cellular pathways associated with structural liver damage (such as periductal fibrosis, epithelial neoplasia, and inflammation). This is the first comparative analysis of gene expression landscapes in the liver of experimental animals infected with O. viverrini, O. felineus, or C. sinensis. The trematodes have species-specific effects on the hepatobiliary system by triggering signaling pathways, thereby leading to differences in the severity of hepatobiliary structural lesions and contributing to the pathogenicity of closely related foodborne trematodes.

Optical transparency in live animals: a leap toward deep-tissue applications

Optical transparency in live animals: a leap toward deep-tissue applications

Coupling cellular drug-target engagement to downstream pharmacology with CeTEAM

Cellular target engagement technologies enable quantification of intracellular drug binding; however, simultaneous assessment of drug-associated phenotypes has proven challenging. Here, we present cellular target engagement by accumulation of mutant as a platform that can concomitantly evaluate drug-target interactions and phenotypic responses using conditionally stabilized drug biosensors. We observe that drug-responsive proteotypes are prevalent among reported mutants of known drug targets. Compatible mutants appear to follow structural and biophysical logic that permits intra-protein and paralogous expansion of the biosensor pool. We then apply our method to uncouple target engagement from divergent cellular activities of MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) inhibitors, dissect Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15)-associated thiopurine metabolism with the R139C pharmacogenetic variant, and profile the dynamics of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1/2 (PARP1/2) binding and DNA trapping by PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Further, PARP1-derived biosensors facilitated high-throughput screening for PARP1 binders, as well as multimodal ex vivo analysis and non-invasive tracking of PARPi binding in live animals. This approach can facilitate holistic assessment of drug-target engagement by bridging drug binding events and their biological consequences.

Review on the relationship between microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater near mining areas.

Microplastics (MPs), degraded from plastic wastes, have drawn significant attention worldwide due to its prevalence and rapid transition. Contamination of freshwater with MPs has become an emerging global issue. Heavy metals (HMs), a prominent global pollutant, also garnered much attention due to their potential interaction with MPs, presenting a multifaceted environmental threat. The primary source of HM contamination in freshwater has been identified as mining sites. Additionally, the increasing use of plastic materials within mining areas raises concerns about MP release into the surrounding freshwater environments. Recent studies only provide information on the contamination of HMs status with MPs. However, studies on the mechanism responsible for MPs contamination from both external and internal sources of freshwater MPs and HMs are limited. The knowledge gaps in the deposition and fate of MPs in various mining situations and the possibility of combined impacts of heavy metals and MPs in the ecosystem raise ecological concerns. Here, we review the origins of MPs and HM pollution within mining sites and explore the potential combined detrimental impacts on plants and animal life. We found out that polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) have higher adsorption affinity to heavy metals, and the mingle toxic consequence of the MPs and HM can depend on the MP surface properties, pH, and salinity of the neighboring water solution. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models enable the efficient design of adsorption systems. The Langmuir model describes single-layer adsorption at homogeneous sites, while the Freundlich model addresses multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. The crucial mechanism of adsorption and desorption that underlies the occurrence of both MPs and heavy metals is a decisive matter in this issue.

Investigation of awareness, sanitation, and customer education practices among employees of pet and animal feed stores that sell live animals in the United States

BackgroundNumerous zoonotic disease outbreaks have been associated with companion animals and poultry purchased at pet and animal feed stores. Employees are often the initial source of information for customers purchasing a new pet. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate awareness, sanitation, and customer education practices related to zoonotic disease risk, and (2) identify predictors of providing customer education among employees of pet and animal feed stores that sell live animals.MethodsA survey of pet and animal feed store employees was conducted to evaluate sanitation practices, training, and awareness of zoonotic disease risk. Differences in proportions of categorical variables were assessed using Chi-square tests. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to assess for differences in the values of ordinal variables based on the values of categorical variables. A partial proportional odds model was used to identify predictors of providing customer education.ResultsSurveys were completed by 206 respondents from the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Western US, 146 of whom reported that their workplace sold live animals. Handwashing was more frequent among employees whose workplace had handwashing policies related to handling animals and their habitats (p < 0.001). Perceived zoonotic disease risk was higher among those who had received workplace training (p = 0.007). Higher odds of providing customer education related to zoonotic disease risk were associated with serving in a supervisory role (p = 0.005), higher perceived zoonotic disease risk (p = 0.001), and more frequent sanitation practices (handwashing, p = 0.031; surface disinfection, p < 0.001; and glove use, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPet and animal feed stores play an important role in minimizing occupational health hazards for employees and providing education for customers. These retailers should implement clear biosecurity protocols and provide training about zoonotic disease risk associated with handling live animals.

Bioluminescence Imaging to Study Recombinant Orthopoxvirus Infection in Animal Models.

Bioluminescent images of viral replication in live animals (in vivo) reveal disease dynamics and effects of medical countermeasures over time. After selecting an appropriate orthopoxvirus animal model for the study, a recombinant virus with the firefly luciferase gene inserted in the genome is used to infect the animals. On the day of bioluminescent imaging, the substrate, D-luciferin, is prepared; animals are sedated and injected with the substrate and IVIS imager is utilized; various bioluminescent images are acquired; then animals recover and are able to continue in the study. Ex vivo imaging can also be completed after animals are euthanized at experimental endpoint. This approach allows real-time imaging of viral kinetics within an animal, and analysis of images can provide an additional quantitative measure throughout the study. Bioluminescent imaging not only provides scientific benefits but also benefits to animal welfare. For these reasons, bioluminescent imaging should be considered for any in vivo orthopoxvirus study.

An optical flow battery enabled by trap-engineered nanophosphors

Flow batteries represent a promising technology for storing electrical energy in circulating electrolyte solutions that contain redox-active chemicals. Inspired by the redox flow battery, in this paper we describe the concept and implementation of an optical flow battery, which stores photon energy in circulating nanophosphor colloids. Similar to the redox flow battery, the optical flow battery enables the conversion between photon energy and chemical energy in a rechargeable manner, facilitating distributed energy storage by decoupling energy and power. We characterized basic cell attributes and performance metrics of this prototype optical flow battery in the context of common assessment methods for conventional redox flow batteries. We envision that this optical flow battery may provide a useful tool for solar energy storage, light delivery in live animals, and light-based therapy, diagnosis, and surgery in medicine.Graphical

New generation endoscopic closure devices for full-thickness defects: a comparative pre-clinical study (with videos).

Endoscopic closure techniques are effective and safe in the management of transmural gastrointestinal defects. However, there is a paucity of data regarding their comparative effectiveness. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of several new-generation, endoscopic closure devices in a pre-clinical model. We evaluated five commercially available devices: a through-the-scope clip (TTSC), an anchor-pronged TTSC, a suturing device, helical tacking system, and over-the-scope clip. We tested closure strength using an ex-vivo porcine model. Next, live animals underwent 15mm gastric and colonic perforations followed by immediate endoscopic closure with one of the devices. We assessed technical success, 7-day survival, time to complete closure, and National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) task load index. A total of 60 ex-vivo closures were conducted (12 per device). The suturing device achieved a higher closure strength than all other devices (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Technical success was achieved in 80% of cases, and 9 of 10 animals (90%) survived to 7days post-closure. The mean procedure time for the suturing device was longer than all other devices (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The mean procedure time for the anchor-pronged TTSC was also faster than over-the-scope clip (P = 0.04). The total endoscopist NASA-TLX score for the suturing device and helical system were greater than all other devices (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Each closure device varies significantly in closure strength, closure time, and ease of use. Optimal device selection will depend on defect size, anatomic location, the viability of the surrounding tissue, and endoscopist/technician expertise.

“Killing in the Name of 3R?” The Ethics of Death in Animal Research

Changing relationships with nonhuman animals have led to important modifications in animal welfare legislations, including the protection of animal life. However, animal research regulations are largely based on welfarist assumptions, neglecting the idea that death can constitute a harm to animals. In this article, four different cases of killing animals in research contexts are identified and discussed against the background of philosophical, societal, and scientific-practical discourses: 1. Animals killed during experimentation, 2. Animals killed before research, 3. “Surplus” animals and 4. “Leftover” animals. The scientific community and, accordingly, animal research regulations such as the internationally acknowledged framework 3R (“Replace”, “Reduce”, “Refine”) tend to aim at the reduction of “surplus” and, to some extent, “leftover” animals, whereas the first two classes are rather neglected. However, the perspective that animal death matters morally is supported by both societal moral intuitions and certain theoretical accounts in animal ethics. Therefore, we suggest the implementation of the 3Rs in regulations, so that they: 1. Make their underlying philosophical position transparent; 2. Are based on a weighing account of animal death; 3. Are applicable to procedures on living and dead animals; 4. Apply the “reduction” principle to procedures on dead animals; 5. Entail that methods using (parts of) dead animals need to be replaced by animal free methods, if possible; 6. Do not suggest replacing research on living animals by research on killed animals; 7. Include all kinds of animals, depending on the respective harm of death; 8. Are applied to the broader context of experimentation, including breeding and the fate of the animals after the experiment.

Technogenically Disturbed Lands of Coal Mines: Restoration Methods

The issues of human impact on the environment are evident and pose a threat to the health and well-being of future generations. Technogenic disturbances in coal mining sites, such as open pits, excavations, and industrial waste, pose risks to both human health and the environment. Open-pit coal mines not only frequently cause the destruction of natural ecosystems, including landscapes, vegetation, and biodiversity, but they also significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Addressing the carbon footprint necessitates not only the use of renewable energy but also the restoration of disturbed landscapes and vegetation, including trees and shrubs. All of this is achieved by implementing biological remediation within technogenically disturbed territories. This process fosters a return of biological balance and establishes favorable conditions for plant and animal life, while at the same time reducing carbon footprint indicators. The biological remediation of areas affected by the mining activities of coal mines can create new economic opportunities. The reclaimed land can be utilized for various purposes such as agriculture, forestry, park development, and tourism, thereby contributing to local economic growth and job creation. When planning measures for land bioremediation, it is essential to analyze all quality indicators of the land. In this case, the selection of technologies such as plants, fertilizers, and microorganisms can effectively restore territories.

Developing Microsurgery Skills Outside of the Operating Room.

The complex skills required to perform microsurgery are primarily taught in the high-stakes environment of the operating room. However, learners would benefit from developing these abilities in lower-stakes environments beforehand, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks intraoperatively. This article outlines available resources for developing microsurgical skills outside the operating room and evaluates their alignment with best practices for performance enhancement, thereby identifying ways to improve microsurgical education. A systematic review and web search were performed in April 2024 to identify available microsurgical skills courses. Descriptive data were extracted from these resources, including course objectives, unique features, model used, and curriculum. Literature and web search revealed 7 online video courses addressing microsurgical skill development. These had freely available multimedia content and used low-fidelity models with widely accessible materials. Six offered a curriculum. By contrast, 14 in-person flap and microsurgery courses in the United States were identified. These occurred over 2-5 days, cost thousands of dollars, and used high-fidelity models with guidance from experts. Finally, there were many simulation platforms ranging from low-fidelity synthetic models to cadaveric tissue to high-fidelity live animal models. These also encompassed technology-based practices such as virtual reality. Compared with high-fidelity training, low-fidelity models are more affordable, are reusable, and allow for dedicated educational opportunities that are better aligned with best practices for knowledge and skill acquisition. Consequently, they have the potential to reach a broader range of trainees and accelerate the learning curve, and therefore should be integrated into every microsurgery training program.

An international disease monitoring tool to estimate the likelihood of entry of animal health hazards from legal trade of live animals and products of animal origin imported from different countries (IDM+)

An international disease monitoring tool to estimate the likelihood of entry of animal health hazards from legal trade of live animals and products of animal origin imported from different countries (IDM+)

RELATO DE CASO: ASCITE AGUDA EM CÃO COM ETIOLOGIA INDETERMINADA

Ascites is a common problem in people with liver failure, marked by the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space, caused by increased hydrostatic pressure and sodium retention. This condition is commonly associated in dogs with increased production of aldosterone and reduced renal elimination of sodium, and is intensified by hypoalbuminemia, resulting from a reduction in the liver's ability to produce albumin. The negative impacts of ascites on the quality of life of animals include problems with mobility, breathing and rest. This paper describes a clinical case of a one-year-old, 15 kg non-breed dog (NBD) who exhibited symptoms of acute ascites, including increased abdominal volume, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. The condition was examined through an anamnesis and a physical assessment, which confirmed the existence of ascites. Additional tests were carried out, such as a blood count, blood biochemistry, chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound, to check organ function and the existence of fluid in the abdominal cavity. During hospitalization, the patient was given furosemide and fluid therapy, but did not respond and died before the diagnosis was confirmed. Tests revealed hypoproteinemia and significant liver damage, indicating that the ascites was linked to the organ's inability to maintain oncotic pressure. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and treating acute ascites in dogs, emphasizing the need to improve clinical and diagnostic strategies in similar situations, as well as stimulating future studies in this field.

Neural Cell Interactions with a Surgical Grade Biomaterial Using a Simulated Injury in Brain Organotypic Slices

Tissue engineering research for neurological applications has demonstrated that biomaterial-based structural bridges present a promising approach for promoting regeneration. This is particularly relevant for penetrating traumatic brain injuries, where the clinical prognosis is typically poor, with no available regeneration-enhancing therapies. Specifically, repurposing clinically approved biomaterials offers many advantages (reduced approval time and achieving commercial scaleup for clinical applications), highlighting the need for detailed screening of potential neuromaterials. A major challenge in experimental testing is the limited availability of neuromimetic, technically accessible, cost-effective, and humane models of neurological injury for efficient biomaterial testing in injury-simulated environments. Three dimensional (3D) organotypic brain slices bridge the gap between live animal models and simplified co-cultures and are a versatile tool for studies on neural development, neurodegenerative disease and in drug testing. Despite this, their utility for investigation of neural cell responses to biomaterial implantation is poorly investigated. We demonstrate that murine brain organotypic slices can be used to develop a model of penetrating traumatic brain injury, wherein a surgical-grade biomaterial scaffold can be implanted into the lesion cavity. Critically, the model allowed for examination of key cellular responses involved in CNS injury pathology/biomaterial handling: astrogliosis, microglial activation and axonal sprouting. The approach offers a technically simple and versatile methodology to study biomaterial interventions as a regenerative therapy for neurological injuries.

Flexible bioelectronic systems with large-scale temperature sensor arrays for monitoring and treatments of localized wound inflammation

Continuous monitoring and closed-loop therapy of soft wound tissues is of particular interest in biomedical research and clinical practices. An important focus is on the development of implantable bioelectronics that can measure time-dependent temperature distribution related to localized inflammation over large areas of wound and offer in situ treatment. Existing approaches such as thermometers/thermocouples provide limited spatial resolution, inapplicable to a wearable/implantable format. Here, we report a conformal, scalable device package that integrates a flexible amorphous silicon-based temperature sensor array and drug-loaded hydrogel for the healing process. This system can enable the spatial temperature mapping at submillimeter resolution and high sensitivity of 0.1 °C, for dynamically localizing the inflammation regions associated with temperature change, automatically followed with heat-triggered drug delivery from hydrogel triggered by wearable infrared light-emitting-diodes. We establish the operational principles experimentally and computationally and evaluate system functionalities with a wide range of targets including live animal models and human subjects. As an example of medical utility, this system can yield closed-loop monitoring/treatments by tracking of temperature distribution over wound areas of live rats, in designs that can be integrated with automated wireless control. These findings create broad utilities of these platforms for clinical diagnosis and advanced therapy for wound healthcare.