Neurological conditions such as epilepsy can have a significant impact on people's lives. Here, we discuss a new perspective for the study/treatment of these conditions using photopharmacology. A multimodal, intracranial implant that incorporates fluidic channels for localised drug delivery, electrodes for recording and stimulation, and a light source for photoswitching is used for administration and deactivation of a photoresponsive AMPA antagonist.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe proliferation of medical wearables necessitates the development of novel electrodes for cutaneous electrophysiology. In this work, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is combined with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) to develop printable and biocompatible electrodes for long-term cutaneous electrophysiology recordings. The impact of printing parameters on the conducting properties, morphological characteristics, mechanical stability and biocompatibility of the material were investigated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe spinal cord is crucial for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and peripheral systems. Spinal cord injuries can lead to severe consequences, including paralysis and autonomic dysfunction. We introduce thin-film, flexible electronics for circumferential interfacing with the spinal cord.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal enzyme deficiency disorder leading to progressive demyelination and, consecutively, to cognitive and motor decline. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect affected white matter as T2 hyperintense areas but cannot quantify the gradual microstructural process of demyelination more accurately. Our study aimed to investigate the value of routine MR diffusion tensor imaging in assessing disease progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNew fabrication approaches for mechanically flexible implants hold the key to advancing the applications of neuroengineering in fundamental neuroscience and clinic. By combining the high precision of thin film microfabrication with the versatility of additive manufacturing, we demonstrate a straight-forward approach for the prototyping of intracranial implants with electrode arrays and microfluidic channels. We show that the implant can modulate neuronal activity in the hippocampus through localized drug delivery, while simultaneously recording brain activity by its electrodes.
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