Researchers have developed a method to create 3D objects with integrated electronics, which could revolutionize the way medical devices are made and improve their effectiveness. This multiphoton fabrication process allows for the production of custom-designed electronics with high precision, and it can be used both in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (inside living organisms).
The process involves using a combination of light-transmitting materials and conductive polymers, which can be printed with micron-scale accuracy. Researchers tested this technique on live brain tissue and successfully stimulated specific synaptic responses. They also managed to print structures directly onto living nematode worms, demonstrating the potential for in vivo applications.
Conducting polymers are increasingly important in electronic devices, such as flexible or printable electronics, and electronic interfaces for the body. Researchers have now found a way to print these conducting polymer structures within insulators both in vitro and in vivo. This was demonstrated by embedding the structures in PDMS (a flexible material) to stimulate electrical activity in nerve tissue, as well as directly printing them in transparent nematode worms.
This new manufacturing technique has numerous potential applications, including improved electrodes for deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, advanced epilepsy monitoring, neuroprosthetics for traumatic brain injuries, and neuromodulation for pain management. The method also allows for patient-specific customization of electrode arrays, which could lead to better treatment outcomes.
This technology could lead to more precise and effective medical devices, as well as open up new possibilities for monitoring and treating neurological disorders. As the world's population continues to age, this breakthrough may contribute to advancements in managing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
Reference
Research by Lancaster University published in Advanced Materials Technologies
Baldock, S. J., Kevin, P., Harper, G. R., Griffin, R., Genedy, H. H., Fong, M. J., Zhao, Z., Zhang, Z., Shen, Y., Lin, H., Au, C., Martin, J. R., Ashton, M. D., Haskew, M. J., Stewart, B., Efremova, O., Esfahani, R. N., Emsley, H. C. A., Appleby, J. B., Cheneler, D., Cummings, D. M., Benedetto, A., Hardy, J. G., Creating 3D Objects with Integrated Electronics via Multiphoton Fabrication In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv. Mater. Technol. 2023, 2201274. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202201274
