Bioactive Neuroelectronic Interfaces

Abstract

Within the neural engineering field, next-generation implantable neuroelectronic interfaces are being developed using biologically-inspired and/or biologically-derived materials to improve upon the stability and functional lifetime of current interfaces. These technologies use biomaterials, bioactive molecules, living cells, or some combination of these, to promote host neuronal survival, reduce the foreign body response, and improve chronic device-tissue integration. This article provides a general overview of the different strategies, milestones, and evolution of bioactive neural interfaces including electrode material properties, biological coatings, and “decoration” with living cells. Another such biohybrid approach developed in our lab uses preformed implantable micro-tissue featuring long-projecting axonal tracts encased within carrier biomaterial micro-columns. These so-called “living electrodes” have been engineered with carefully tailored material, mechanical, and biological properties to enable natural, synaptic based modulation of specific host circuitry while ultimately being under computer control. This article provides an overview of these living electrodes, including design and fabrication, performance attributes, as well as findings to date characterizing in vitro and in vivo functionality.

Comparing the effects of uncoated nanostructured surfaces on primary neurons and astrocytes

“…Silicon and platinum have been characterized extensively in terms of biocompatibility for implantable device applications (Biran et al, ; Ereifej et al, ; Mols et al, ; Pennisi et al, ; Polikov et al, ), but fewer publications tested uncoated silicon or platinum surfaces. (Biran, Martin, & Tresco, ; Pennisi et al, ) As bare surfaces are less biocompatible, biomimetic coatings are often used to improve their performance (Adewole et al, ; Fernandez & Botella, ; Jorfi et al, ; Polikov et al, ). Part of previous research on the effect of nanostructuring on neural cells in vitro involved surfaces additionally treated with molecules such as poly‐D‐lysine/poly‐L‐lysine and laminin to aid cell adhesion and survival on otherwise biologically inert materials (Bugnicourt, Brocard, Nicolas, & Villard, ; Huang et al, ).…”

“…Part of previous research on the effect of nanostructuring on neural cells in vitro involved surfaces additionally treated with molecules such as poly‐D‐lysine/poly‐L‐lysine and laminin to aid cell adhesion and survival on otherwise biologically inert materials (Bugnicourt, Brocard, Nicolas, & Villard, ; Huang et al, ). Use of biomimetic coatings is also a promising strategy in itself for attenuating the negative tissue response to CNS implants (Aregueta‐Robles, Woolley, Poole‐Warren, Lovell, & Green, ; Jorfi et al, ), however, little is known about their persistence, longevity or adverse effects in an in vivo setting (Adewole et al, ; Chen, Canales, & Anikeeva, ; Cody, Eles, Lagenaur, Kozai, & Cui, ; He, McConnell, & Bellamkonda, ; Rao & Winter, ). So far, only the lack of coating degradation in response to the insertion process was shown (He et al, ).…”

“…These events lead to the signal obstruction between neurons and electrodes during long‐term implantation, degrade the performance of the neural electrodes causing instability, and eventually, the failure of the implanted device. The main aims of implant development are to improve neuronal survival and unimpeded regeneration and extension of neurites, while preventing microglial and astrocyte activation by keeping them from attaching to the implanted surface [see (Adewole, Serruya, Wolf, & Cullen, ; Fernandez & Botella, ; Jorfi, Skousen, Weder, & Capadona, ; Kim et al, ) for review].…”

When Bio Meets Technology: Biohybrid Neural Interfaces

“…Utilizing the unidirectional growth of axons in the microstructures, neuromodulation and neural recording could be performed for brain-machine interfaces. [56] A modified approach to the living electrode was suggested by Tang-Schomer et al [57] They presented an integrated microfluidic neuron-electrode brain interface, on a transparent, flexible, silk film ( Figure 5). [57] Silk-based films are useful for the application of brain implants because they are compatible with technologies used to micropattern electrodes.…”

Ethical Analysis on the Application of Neurotechnology for Human Augmentation in Physicians and Surgeons

“…Neurotechnology can be formally defined as an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, engineering and technology to create technical devices that are interfaces with human nervous system. Within literature on neurotechnology, there has been a considerable amount of work carried out on neurotechnologies for cognitive enhancement, specifically focusing on brain-computer interface (BCI), also known as neuroelectronic interface [2], applications. Based on previous studies, neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial electric stimulation (tES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can be used to improve performance in different cognitive domains; these cognitive domains include perception, learning and memory, attention, and decision-making [13].…”