Whether it is to administer treatments very precisely or to monitor certain organs, wireless bioelectronic implants represent one of the most promising solutions in the field of health. The latest example is not the least spectacular since scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (WITH) have managed to create a tiny device capable of wrapping around neurons!
An optoelectric device
The technological feat is to succeed in creating an implant capable of wrapping around various parts of neurons, such as axons and dendrites, without damaging the cells. To activate it inside the brain itself, we use light.
In their tests on rats, these researchers prove that the devices can be combined with optoelectric (light-activated) materials to stimulate cells. Additionally, atomically thin materials can be applied to the top of the devices, allowing them to roll up into microtubes without breaking or causing damage.
This advancement opens up possibilities for integrating sensors and circuits into devices. Additionally, their close connection to cells means that minimal energy would be needed to stimulate subcellular regions, potentially allowing researchers or clinicians to modulate the electrical activity of neurons to treat brain diseases.
photo credit: Credit: Pablo Penso and Marta AiraghiThe implant is designed to gently wrap different parts of neurons, such as axons and dendrites, without damaging the cells. Credit: Pablo Penso and Marta Airaghi
Ensuring the role of myelin
This device could simply revolutionize the treatment of neurological and brain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, by helping transmit electrical impulses between damaged neurons to other parts of the body. Usually, in healthy conditions, myelin serves as an insulating layer around axons, to facilitate the proper transmission of electrical impulses.
In non-myelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, neurons lose their insulating myelin sheets and, at present, there is no biological method to regenerate them. By functioning like synthetic myelin, these wireless and biocompatible devices could help restore neuronal function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
In the long term, these devices could be integrated with other materials to form tiny circuits capable of measuring and modulating individual cells.
