Multifunctional microelectronic fibers enable wireless modulation of gut and brain neural circuits

Abstract

Progress in understanding brain–viscera interoceptive signaling is hindered by a dearth of implantable devices suitable for probing both brain and peripheral organ neurophysiology during behavior. Here we describe multifunctional neural interfaces that combine the scalability and mechanical versatility of thermally drawn polymer-based fibers with the sophistication of microelectronic chips for organs as diverse as the brain and the gut. Our approach uses meters-long continuous fibers that can integrate light sources, electrodes, thermal sensors and microfluidic channels in a miniature footprint. Paired with custom-fabricated control modules, the fibers wirelessly deliver light for optogenetics and transfer data for physiological recording. We validate this technology by modulating the mesolimbic reward pathway in the mouse brain. We then apply the fibers in the anatomically challenging intestinal lumen and demonstrate wireless control of sensory epithelial cells that guide feeding behaviors. Finally, we show that optogenetic stimulation of vagal afferents from the intestinal lumen is sufficient to evoke a reward phenotype in untethered mice.

Porous Conductive Textiles for Wearable Electronics

“…In addition, new strategies have emerged for integrating microelectronics inside fibers, resulting in highly integrated multifunctional fibers with high device density and functionality. 739,903,904 These fibers can be further manufactured into a large textile system. However, the positioning and connection of large numbers of inserted devices pose great challenges.…”

“…One the other hand, it is desired to explore new fabrication techniques that are compatible with PCTs to enable high-resolution and high-density integration of different electronic components. In addition, new strategies have emerged for integrating microelectronics inside fibers, resulting in highly integrated multifunctional fibers with high device density and functionality. ,, These fibers can be further manufactured into a large textile system. However, the positioning and connection of large numbers of inserted devices pose great challenges.…”

Stretchable, Self-Rolled, Microfluidic Electronics Enable Conformable Neural Interfaces of Brain and Vagus Neuromodulation

“…Next-generation approaches to achieving flexible brain–computer interfaces and neurological diagnostics require microfabrication or nanomaterials to enable a comfortable bridge between implantable devices and the feeble human brain. − Flexible neural interfaces with high comfortability and minimal invasiveness may promote the long-term recording of neural activity, leading to advances in neuroscientific studies. − In addition, flexible neural interfaces may introduce transformative changes in diagnosis and therapies for peripheral disease by electrical stimulation. − However, the enormous mechanical mismatch between rigid implantable devices and soft brain tissues inevitably causes damage and inflammatory response. , Therefore, stretchable biodevices with mechanically compliant living brain tissue are desired for long-term implantation and signal recording. , Developing stretchable interfaces with superior mechanical properties can deform soft brain tissues and fully record neural activity under long-term active environments. , …”

In vivo evaluation of thermally drawn biodegradable optical fibers as brain neural interfaces

“…Polymer optical fibers (POFs) in particular have attracted significant attention for the development of neural interfaces because they can fulfill the aforementioned requirements but also can be tailored to accommodate several advanced materials with unique multi-functionality. POFs are typically based on standard thermoplastic polymers (polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymer) and they have been extensively used for the development of fiber sensors and tunable devices [14][15][16] and more recently have attracted significant attention as fiber-based neural interfaces [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] , However, an additional critical factor that has a role towards the development of the nextgeneration neural interfaces is their biodegradability, which can avoid an extra post-surgical step while suppressing the long-term inflammation response. As the biodegradable implant gradually breaks down over time, it can be absorbed by the surrounding tissue or metabolized by the body, minimizing the adverse immune reactions 25 .…”