Development of optically controlled "living electrodes" with long-projecting axon tracts for a synaptic brain-machine interface

Dayo O. Adewole, Laura A. Struzyna, Justin C. Burrell, James P. Harris, Ashley D. Nemes, Dmitriy Petrov, Reuben H. Kraft, H. Isaac Chen, Mijail D. Serruya, John A. Wolf, D. Kacy Cullen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbereaay5347
JournalScience Advances
Volume7
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 22 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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