Flexible electrodes
Injectable "injectrodes" will simplify the precise stimulation of neurons
Sergey Vasiliev, Naked Science
The possibility of simple, safe and painless placement of electrodes in the brain is extremely important for scientists, physicians and many patients. Epilepsy, migraines and some other conditions may well be weakened by timely stimulation or, conversely, by weakening the activity of affected neurons. Other diseases – chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, etc. – can be controlled by regulating the work of peripheral nerves. However, until now, bringing even the thinnest and most perfect electrodes to the neurons requires complex surgical intervention.
An unusual solution to this problem was found by a team of American scientists led by Kip Ludwig from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In an article published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials (Trevathan et al., An Injectable Neural Stimulation Electrode Made from an In‐Body Curing Polymer/Metal Composite), the technology of "injectrode" is proposed – a "liquid electrode" that can simply be injected into the desired area of the brain.
The device is based on liquid silicone, which contains a thick suspension of conductive metal nanoparticles. After injection, silicone naturally hardens, forming an elastic and thin biocompatible electrode that easily bends together with the surrounding tissues. It does not require a separate power source: the thinnest thread stretches from the electrode to the surface of the body, where the "receiving" part is located, to which the desired signal can be sent, stimulating the target neuron directly through the skin.
"Injectrod" is composed of a suspension of metal nanoparticles (2) in a silicone carrier (1) / ©Trevathan et al., 2019
The authors created a prototype of such a system and successfully tested it on animals. "Injectrod" in experimental pigs was connected with the vagus nerve and, by stimulating it, they managed to change the rhythm of the heartbeat. Theoretically, this method is suitable for the treatment of certain heart disorders in humans: according to scientists, it is already being considered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is undergoing preclinical trials.
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