Sensing and Stimulation Applications of Carbon Nanomaterials in Implantable Brain-Computer Interface

Abstract

Implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are crucial tools for translating basic neuroscience concepts into clinical disease diagnosis and therapy. Among the various components of the technological chain that increases the sensing and stimulation functions of implanted BCI, the interface materials play a critical role. Carbon nanomaterials, with their superior electrical, structural, chemical, and biological capabilities, have become increasingly popular in this field. They have contributed significantly to advancing BCIs by improving the sensor signal quality of electrical and chemical signals, enhancing the impedance and stability of stimulating electrodes, and precisely modulating neural function or inhibiting inflammatory responses through drug release. This comprehensive review provides an overview of carbon nanomaterials’ contributions to the field of BCI and discusses their potential applications. The topic is broadened to include the use of such materials in the field of bioelectronic interfaces, as well as the potential challenges that may arise in future implantable BCI research and development. By exploring these issues, this review aims to provide insight into the exciting developments and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

Recent Development of Implantable Chemical Sensors Utilizing Flexible and Biodegradable Materials for Biomedical Applications

“…41 Recognition elements (e.g., ion-selective membrane (ISM), enzyme, antibody, aptamer) are often immobilized on sensing electrodes to improve selectivity toward target analytes. Furthermore, detection limit and sensitivity can be optimized by decorating electrodes with various nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, fullerenes, magnetic nanomaterials, and metal nanoparticles), 42,43 by promoting the effective surface area and assisting electron transfer. Potentiometry, amperometry, voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and sensing based on field-effect transistor (FET) or organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) are representative electrochemical sensing techniques for implantable biosensors (Figure 2a).…”

Neural repair and regeneration interfaces: a comprehensive review

“…Subsequently, specialized CP composites were developed for various applications, including nerve regeneration using biodegradable composite materials, improving cochlear implant interfaces, and exploring biostability and biocompatibility [26][27][28]. Carbon nanomaterials are also introduced as dopants to improve the conductivity of various conducting polymer electrodes for neural interfaces [29][30][31][32]. Intrinsically biodegradability was also achieved for sciatic nerve regeneration, showing no inflammation after eight weeks of implantation [33].…”