Existing implantable neurotechnologies for understanding the brain and treating neurological diseases have remained limited in key ways because of large structural, mechanical and biochemical mismatches with respect to neural tissue. In this presentation, I will discuss how the general goal in Chemistry of designing a probe that has minimal impact on the properties and function of the system being studied can be realized by a new paradigm for seamlessly merging electronics with the brain in three-dimensions (3D). First, the design consideration of matching structural, mechanical and topological characteristics of neural probes and brain tissue will be discussed, thus leading to the new concept of neuron-like mesh electronics. Second, quantitative time-dependent histology studies demonstrating the absence of a tissue immune response on at least a year time-scale, as well as interpenetration of neurons and neurofilaments through the open mesh electronics structures will be presented. Third, uniquely stable electrophysiology data demonstrating the capability to track and stably record from the same single neurons and neural circuits for more than a year will be described. Fourth, I will describe applications of this paradigm that opens up potentially transformative capabilities for investigating natural and pathological aging, as well as the retina and visual system from the single neuron level upwards. Finally, general prospects for future advances of these neuron-like electronics for opening up new vistas in fundamental neuroscience as well as the development of precision electronic therapeutics and brain-machine interfaces will be discussed.

Neuron-like electronics: A new paradigm for noninvasive brain probes

256th National Meeting (2018)

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