An Implantable Biohybrid Neural Interface Toward Synaptic Deep Brain Stimulation

Sensory nerve regrowth is often limited by the inhibitory nature of the extracellular matrix, which restricts axonal regeneration. Although cortical and deep brain stimulation offer potential therapeutic approaches, their effectiveness in sensory restoration is hindered by challenges in spatial resolution, cell specificity, and accessibility.

In a recent study published in Advanced Functional Materials, researchers introduced an implantable biohybrid neural interface that integrates neural spheroids with a stretchable stimulation array and a microfluidic axon guidance system, designed to target deep brain regions. In vitro stimulation of the neural spheroids within the biohybrid structure, using MaxWell Biosystems’ MaxOne Single-Well HD-MEA, demonstrated reliable activity conduction across the device.

These early findings are promising in terms of neural viability and axonal outgrowth post-implantation. However, further translational research is necessary to assess in vivo feasibility. In the future, clinical applications utilizing patient-specific iPSC-derived neurons could enable personalized sensory restoration.

Related products

• MaxOne Single-Well HD-MEA System

MaxWell Biosystems extends heartfelt congratulations to all authors on this transformative research and eagerly looks forward to its future impact.

Relevant publications

• B.F. Clément, L. Petrella, L. Wallimann, J. Duru, C.M. Tringides, J. Vörös, T. Ruff. An in vitro platform for characterizing axonal electrophysiology of individual human iPSC-derived nociceptors. Biosensors and Bioelectronics. DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.08.631429
• J. Küchler, K. Vulić, H. Yao, C, Valmaggia, S.J. Ihle, S. Weaver, J. Vörös. Engineered Biological Neural Networks as Basic Logic Operators. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.23.630065