Mechanically-adaptive, resveratrol-eluting neural probes for improved intracortical recording performance and stability

Abstract Intracortical microelectrodes are used for recording activity from individual neurons, providing both a valuable neuroscience tool and an enabling medical technology for individuals with motor disabilities. Standard neural probes carrying the microelectrodes are rigid silicon-based structur...

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Main Authors: Natalie N. Mueller, Mali Ya Mungu Ocoko, Youjoung Kim, Kate Li, Kaela Gisser, Gabriele Glusauskas, Isabella Lugo, Peter Dernelle, Anna Clarissa Hermoso, Jaime Wang, Jonathan Duncan, Lindsey N. Druschel, Francine Graham, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Allison Hess-Dunning
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:npj Flexible Electronics
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-025-00440-5
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Summary:Abstract Intracortical microelectrodes are used for recording activity from individual neurons, providing both a valuable neuroscience tool and an enabling medical technology for individuals with motor disabilities. Standard neural probes carrying the microelectrodes are rigid silicon-based structures that can penetrate the brain parenchyma to interface with the targeted neurons. Unfortunately, within weeks after implantation, neural recording quality from microelectrodes degrades, owing largely to a neuroinflammatory response. Key contributors to the neuroinflammatory response include mechanical mismatch at the device-tissue interface and oxidative stress. We developed a mechanically-adaptive, resveratrol-eluting (MARE) neural probe to mitigate both mechanical mismatch and oxidative stress and thereby promote improved neural recording quality and longevity. In this work, we demonstrate that compared to rigid silicon controls, highly-flexible MARE probes exhibit improved recording performance, more stable impedance, and a healing tissue response. With further optimization, MARE probes can serve as long-term, robust neural probes for brain-machine interface applications.
ISSN:2397-4621