Toward a Wholly Organic, Immunomodulatory Neuroelectronic Interface

Abstract

The neuroelectronic interface is a fascinating and powerful tool for enabling direct electrochemical interaction with the central and peripheral nervous systems as a means to alleviate symptoms of debilitating neurological conditions. As the name implies, successful design and implementation of such systems requires a unique combination of neurobiological knowhow and engineering execution. A long and fruitful history of neuroscience investigation coupled with the more recent rise of microfabrication techniques and high-powered digital computing systems places the present engineering endeavors in a position to contribute significantly and meaningfully to solutions for these severest of conditions. Indeed, devices of this nature are already commercially available and more still are in development. However, interfacing robustly with this most delicate of human tissues, the brain, still presents a major challenge to the long-term success of these devices as a result of the prolific and neuroinflammatory response to implanted materials which is still not fully understood. This complex and dynamic reaction is driven not only by the implantation procedure, but also by the materials chosen for the device itself. A primary research thrust in this space thus involves the design and optimization of materials which may not only limit the severity of this immune reaction but also actively modulate it toward more pro-regenerative outcomes. Central to this effort is the integration of material classes which enable control over multiple properties of the device simultaneously including microarchitecture, mechanical compliance, electrochemical activity, and delivery of biomolecular cues. The preliminary work and proposed future exploration presented herein aim to contribute to the neuroelectronic interface design toolbox new methods for synthesizing soft electronic materials and new understanding into the mechanisms behind the neuroinflammatory response. The ultimate goal of this venture is therefore to enable and promote the creation of a wholly organic, immunomodulatory neuroelectronic interface which may be translated into a robust medical device to improve the lives of those suffering from life-long neurological conditions.