The brain is one of the most vulnerable human organs, and most often brain implants tend to
MIT engineers are working to create soft,flexible neural implants, which can smoothly correspond to the contours of the brain and control its activity for long periods without worsening the surrounding tissue. Such flexible electronics can be a milder alternative to existing metal-based electrodes designed to monitor brain activity, and can also be useful in brain implantation, which stimulates the nerve regions to relieve symptoms of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and severe depression.
The research team has developed a way3D printing of neural sensors and other electronic devices. The devices are made of polymer and soft plastic, which is electrically conductive. The team converted this usually liquid conductive polymer solution into a substance more like a viscous toothpaste, which they could pass through a regular 3D printer to create stable, electrically conductive substances.
The team printed some soft electronicdevices, including a small rubber electrode, which they implanted in the brain of the mouse. When the mouse moved freely in a controlled environment, a neural probe could capture the activity of one neuron. Monitoring this activity can give scientists a higher resolution of the picture of brain activity, as well as help in the selection of treatment methods and long-term brain implants for various neurological disorders.