Implantable deep brain probes (DBPs) are an important component of brain computer interfaces that facilitate direct interaction between neural tissue and the external environment. Currently, most multifunctional DBPs used for sensing and regulating the nervous system are manufactured through thermal gradient reduction of polymer materials. However, this method still faces challenges such as how to choose materials that can adapt to the thermal stretching process and match the modulus of brain tissue.

In view of this, Professor Fan Hongsong of Sichuan University and Chwee Teck Lim of the National University of Singapore have constructed a multifunctional hydrogel fiber (HybF) by combining the ion chelating/de chelating effect and template method throughout the wet spinning process, which can achieve neural sensing, on-demand deep regulation and photodynamic therapy.

Key points of this article: (1) HybF has a low bending stiffness of about 0.3 N/m and a high conductivity of about 97 S/m (at 1 kHz), which helps to achieve high-quality signal recording (signal-to-noise ratio~10) while minimizing immune rejection. Research has found that HybF can effectively mediate deep brain optogenetic stimulation to successfully regulate the behavior of hippocampal neurons in hSyn CrimsonR tdTomato SD rats.

(2) Researchers have successfully utilized HybF to implement a spatiotemporal controllable photodynamic strategy for antiepileptic applications, which can instantly eliminate high amplitude abnormal electrical discharges without affecting normal cognitive/memory abilities. In summary, the HybF developed in this study can establish a new paradigm for deep brain regulation and treatment of degenerative diseases, and is expected to provide important insights for brain circuit research and the development of bioelectronic devices.

Source: Sensor Expert Network