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Implantable hydrogels as pioneering materials for next-generation brain-computer interfaces.
Literature Information
| DOI | 10.1039/d4cs01074d |
|---|---|
| PMID | 40035554 |
| Journal | Chemical Society reviews |
| Impact Factor | 39.0 |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 |
| Publication Year | 2025 |
| Times Cited | 3 |
| Keywords | Implantable Hydrogels, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neural Modulation |
| Literature Type | Journal Article, Review |
| ISSN | 0306-0012 |
| Pages | 2832-2880 |
| Issue | 54(6) |
| Authors | Wasid Ullah Khan, Zhenzhen Shen, Samuel M Mugo, Hongda Wang, Qiang Zhang |
TL;DR
This review discusses the potential of hydrogel-based electrodes for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a solution to the limitations of traditional rigid electrodes, which face issues like foreign body rejection and neural signal attenuation. By leveraging the biocompatibility and unique properties of hydrogels, the study highlights advancements in neural signal recording and modulation technologies, aiming to enhance treatments for brain disorders and drive innovations in the field.
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Implantable Hydrogels · Brain-Computer Interfaces · Neural Modulation
Abstract
Use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) is rapidly becoming a transformative approach for diagnosing and treating various brain disorders. By facilitating direct communication between the brain and external devices, BCIs have the potential to revolutionize neural activity monitoring, targeted neuromodulation strategies, and the restoration of brain functions. However, BCI technology faces significant challenges in achieving long-term, stable, high-quality recordings and accurately modulating neural activity. Traditional implantable electrodes, primarily made from rigid materials like metal, silicon, and carbon, provide excellent conductivity but encounter serious issues such as foreign body rejection, neural signal attenuation, and micromotion with brain tissue. To address these limitations, hydrogels are emerging as promising candidates for BCIs, given their mechanical and chemical similarities to brain tissues. These hydrogels are particularly suitable for implantable neural electrodes due to their three-dimensional water-rich structures, soft elastomeric properties, biocompatibility, and enhanced electrochemical characteristics. These exceptional features make them ideal for signal recording, neural modulation, and effective therapies for neurological conditions. This review highlights the current advancements in implantable hydrogel electrodes, focusing on their unique properties for neural signal recording and neuromodulation technologies, with the ultimate aim of treating brain disorders. A comprehensive overview is provided to encourage future progress in this field. Implantable hydrogel electrodes for BCIs have enormous potential to influence the broader scientific landscape and drive groundbreaking innovations across various sectors.
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Primary Questions Addressed
- What specific properties of hydrogels make them superior to traditional materials in BCI applications?
- How do the mechanical properties of implantable hydrogels influence their integration with brain tissue over time?
- What advancements in hydrogel technology are currently being researched to enhance their electrochemical characteristics for BCIs?
- In what ways can the use of hydrogels in BCIs impact the development of therapies for specific neurological disorders?
- What are the potential long-term effects of implantable hydrogel electrodes on brain function and health compared to traditional electrodes?
Key Findings
Research Background and Objectives
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are emerging as a transformative technology for diagnosing and treating brain disorders by enabling direct communication between the brain and external devices. This review aims to explore the advancements in implantable hydrogel electrodes, addressing the limitations of traditional electrodes and highlighting the potential of hydrogels in enhancing neural signal recording and neuromodulation.
Main Methods/Materials/Experimental Design
The review systematically examines the properties and applications of hydrogel materials in the context of BCIs. The methodology involves:
- Literature Review: Comprehensive analysis of existing research on traditional and hydrogel-based electrodes.
- Material Properties Assessment: Evaluation of mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of hydrogels compared to conventional materials.
- Application Analysis: Investigation of the use of hydrogels in signal recording and neuromodulation strategies.
The technical route can be illustrated as follows:
Key Results and Findings
- Hydrogel Properties: Hydrogels possess mechanical and chemical properties similar to brain tissues, including:
- High biocompatibility
- Soft elastomeric characteristics
- Enhanced electrochemical performance
- Advantages Over Traditional Electrodes: Compared to rigid materials (metal, silicon, carbon), hydrogels reduce issues like:
- Foreign body rejection
- Neural signal attenuation
- Micromotion with brain tissue
- Potential Applications: Hydrogels are particularly effective for:
- Neural signal recording
- Targeted neuromodulation
- Therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders
Main Conclusions/Significance/Innovativeness
The review concludes that implantable hydrogel electrodes represent a significant advancement in BCI technology. Their unique properties can lead to:
- Improved quality and stability of neural recordings
- Enhanced modulation of neural activity
- Development of more effective therapies for brain disorders The findings suggest that hydrogels could facilitate groundbreaking innovations in neuroscience and related fields.
Research Limitations and Future Directions
While the review highlights the potential of hydrogel electrodes, several limitations and future research directions are noted:
| Limitations | Future Directions |
|---|---|
| Limited long-term studies | Conduct longitudinal studies on hydrogel stability in vivo |
| Variability in hydrogel formulations | Explore diverse hydrogel compositions for optimized performance |
| Integration challenges with existing BCI systems | Develop hybrid systems combining hydrogels with traditional materials |
Future research should focus on overcoming these limitations, improving hydrogel formulations, and integrating them into existing BCI frameworks to fully realize their potential in treating brain disorders.
Literatures Citing This Work
- Recent Progress of Biomaterial-Based Hydrogels for Wearable and Implantable Bioelectronics. - Baojin Chen;Yan Zhu;Renjie Yu;Yunxiang Feng;Zhenpeng Han;Chang Liu;Pengcheng Zhu;Lijun Lu;Yanchao Mao - Gels (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
- Design, Synthesis, and Morphological Behavior of Polymer Gel-Based Materials for Thermoelectric Devices: Recent Progress and Perspectives. - Md Mahamudul Hasan Rumon;Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Khan;Md Khairul Amin - Gels (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
- A Review on Low-Dimensional Nanoarchitectonics for Neurochemical Sensing and Modulation in Responsive Neurological Outcomes. - Mohammad Tabish;Iram Malik;Ali Akhtar;Mohd Afzal - Biomolecules (2025)
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