A Nonsurgical Brain Implant Enabled Through a Cell–Electronics Hybrid for Focal Neuromodulation
Bioelectronic implants for brain stimulation are effective in treating brain disorders but typically require invasive surgery. To offer a noninvasive alternative, a new approach called Circulatronics has been developed. This method uses hybrid devices combining immune cells and electronics that can be delivered intravenously and autonomously migrate to inflamed brain regions.
Design and Function of the Hybrid Devices
The key innovation involves subcellular-sized, wireless photovoltaic electronic devices that efficiently harvest optical energy. These tiny devices are covalently attached to monocytes, a type of immune cell, forming cell–electronics hybrids capable of traveling through the bloodstream to sites of brain inflammation.
Implementation in Animal Models
In mice, the hybrid implants were successfully administered intravenously, demonstrating targeted implantation in inflamed brain areas — common therapeutic targets in various neural diseases. This implantation bypasses the need for surgery and allows precise neuromodulation, with stimulation accuracy reaching 30 micrometers around the affected region.
"By fusing electronic functionality with the biological transport and targeting capabilities of living cells, this technology can form the foundation for autonomously implanting bioelectronics."
Implications and Future Potential
- This bioelectronic technique could revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders by eliminating surgical risks.
- The system leverages immune cells’ natural trafficking abilities to carry electronics precisely where needed.
- Such devices provide powerful tools for diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and neuroscience research.
References
Electronic devices implanted in the body have already proven valuable for diagnosis, therapeutics, and research.
Author’s summary: This novel Circulatronics technology enables noninvasive, cell-guided brain implants for precise neuromodulation, potentially transforming brain disorder treatments by avoiding surgery.