Battery-free, fully implantable optofluidic cuff system for wireless optogenetic and pharmacological neuromodulation of peripheral nerves

Abstract

Studies of the peripheral nervous system rely on controlled manipulation of neuronal function with pharmacologic and/or optogenetic techniques. Traditional hardware for these purposes can cause notable damage to fragile nerve tissues, create irritation at the biotic/abiotic interface, and alter the natural behaviors of animals. Here, we present a wireless, battery-free device that integrates a microscale inorganic light-emitting diode and an ultralow-power microfluidic system with an electrochemical pumping mechanism in a soft platform that can be mounted onto target peripheral nerves for programmed delivery of light and/or pharmacological agents in freely moving animals. Biocompliant designs lead to minimal effects on overall nerve health and function, even with chronic use in vivo. The small size and light weight construction allow for deployment as fully implantable devices in mice. These features create opportunities for studies of the peripheral nervous system outside of the scope of those possible with existing technologies.

Battery-free, lightweight, injectable microsystem for in vivo wireless pharmacology and optogenetics

“…Recently, we introduced a soft, fully implantable optofluidic cuff system designed to deploy on peripheral nerves, with ultralow power requirements by use of miniaturized electrochemical micropumps for drug delivery (21). Here, we improve upon and adapt those ideas to establish a functional device that is able to interface with the brain.…”

Progress in Brain‐Compatible Interfaces with Soft Nanomaterials

“…Furthermore, inspired by the iWEBS and considering functionally relevant factors such as mechanical tissue damage and efficient power transmission, the flexible µLED arrays were designed to be inserted into the subcranial space and efficiently illuminate a specific cortical domain. [102,103] This thin-film optical stimulator (15 µm thickness) was successfully inserted under a living mouse skull ( Figure 3b) and used to illuminate the cerebral cortex with blue light without any significant infection or inflammation (Figure 3c). In addition, these flexible µLEDs (30 × 30 arrays in 1 × 1 cm 2 ) can operate stably using a wireless power supply system, enabling continuous photostimulation in freely moving animals.…”

Advanced Electrical and Optical Microsystems for Biointerfacing

“…Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the CC‐BY license 4.0. [ 286 ] Copyright 2019, The Authors. Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science.…”

“…In addition to applications in the brain, Zhang et al reported a fully implantable wireless optofluidic cuff system integrating PDMS‐based microfluidic channels and blue μ‐ILEDs for modulation of the peripheral nervous system (Figure 14f). [ 286 ] An electrochemical pumping mechanism is adopted to minimize power consumption and heat generation from the previously discussed thermally expanded pumping mechanism. The lightweight optofluidic cuff system allows for chronic modulation of targeted peripheral nerve activity in freely moving mice via localized drug delivery and optogenetic stimulation without damaging the associated peripheral nerve.…”