Development of optically controlled "living electrodes" with long-projecting axon tracts for a synaptic brain-machine interface.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
For implantable neural interfaces, functional/clinical outcomes are challenged by limitations in specificity and stability of inorganic microelectrodes. A biological intermediary between microelectrical devices and the brain may improve specificity and longevity through (i) natural synaptic integration with deep neural circuitry, (ii) accessibility on the brain surface, and (iii) optogenetic manipulation for targeted, light-based readout/control. Accordingly, we have developed implantable "living electrodes," living cortical neurons, and axonal tracts protected within soft hydrogel cylinders, for optobiological monitoring/modulation of brain activity. Here, we demonstrate fabrication, rapid axonal outgrowth, reproducible cytoarchitecture, and simultaneous optical stimulation and recording of these tissue engineered constructs in vitro. We also present their transplantation, survival, integration, and optical recording in rat cortex as an in vivo proof of concept for this neural interface paradigm. The creation and characterization of these functional, optically controllable living electrodes are critical steps in developing a new class of optobiological tools for neural interfacing.
Volume
7
Issue
4
ISSN
2375-2548
Published In/Presented At
Adewole, D. O., Struzyna, L. A., Burrell, J. C., Harris, J. P., Nemes, A. D., Petrov, D., Kraft, R. H., Chen, H. I., Serruya, M. D., Wolf, J. A., & Cullen, D. K. (2021). Development of optically controlled "living electrodes" with long-projecting axon tracts for a synaptic brain-machine interface. Science advances, 7(4), eaay5347. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aay5347
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
33523957
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article