Morphing electronics enable neuromodulation in growing tissue

Abstract

Bioelectronics for modulating the nervous system have shown promise in treating neurological diseases1–3. However, their fixed dimensions cannot accommodate rapid tissue growth4,5 and may impair development6. For infants, children and adolescents, once implanted devices are outgrown, additional surgeries are often needed for device replacement, leading to repeated interventions and complications6–8. Here, we address this limitation with morphing electronics, which adapt to in vivo nerve tissue growth with minimal mechanical constraint. We design and fabricate multilayered morphing electronics, consisting of viscoplastic electrodes and a strain sensor that eliminate the stress at the interface between the electronics and growing tissue. The ability of morphing electronics to self-heal during implantation surgery allows a reconfigurable and seamless neural interface. During the fastest growth period in rats, morphing electronics caused minimal damage to the rat nerve, which grows 2.4-fold in diameter, and allowed chronic electrical stimulation and monitoring for 2 months without disruption of functional behavior. Morphing electronics offers a path toward growth-adaptive pediatric electronic medicine. Viscoplastic electronic devices adapt as nerves enlarge in growing animals.

Cite this article

Liu, Y., Li, J., Song, S. et al. Morphing electronics enable neuromodulation in growing tissue. Nat Biotechnol 38, 1031–1036 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0495-2

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