Researchers at Lund University and Gothenburg University have made a breakthrough in the field of bioelectronics with the development of temporary, organic electrodes that can be seamlessly integrated into biological systems. This new method eliminates the need for surgery when implanting or removing bioelectronics from the body.
Electrotherapy, a medical treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate tissues and the nervous system, is commonly used for chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease or heart rhythm disorders. However, there are other non-chronic diseases such as cancer and nerve injuries that could potentially benefit from electrotherapy. The challenge lies in surgically placing metal electrodes for the treatment, particularly in sensitive tissues like the brain.
To address this challenge, the researchers used a novel technique involving nanoparticles. A solution of nanoparticles is injected into the tissue using a needle, and these nanoparticles, made up of small molecular chains called polymers, self-organize into a conducting structure that integrates with the body’s cells. This approach is minimally invasive compared to traditional methods and eliminates the need for surgical removal, as the particles break down and are naturally excreted from the body after treatment.
The electrodes formed by this method cover larger areas than the metal electrodes currently used, potentially making the treatment more effective. The researchers conducted their study using zebrafish as a model for studying organic electrodes in brain structures.
Martin Hjort, a researcher at Lund University and the first author of the study, emphasizes the significance of this work in integrating electronics with biological systems. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for treating non-chronic diseases that are difficult to address with current methods.
The study detailing this research, titled “In situ assembly of bioresorbable organic bioelectronics in the brain,” was published in Nature Communications. The team hopes that their findings will pave the way for future advancements in bioelectronics and electrotherapy.
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Journal reference:
Hjort, M., et al. (2023). In situ assembly of bioresorbable organic bioelectronics in the brain. Nature Communications. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40175-3.