PEDOT-containing Implantable Neuroelectrodes in Inflammation Control and Neural Signal Transduction

Abstract

Implantable neuroelectrodes are used to facilitate the treatments of neurological injuries and diseases such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. However, since the body perceives the neuroelectrodes as exogenous materials, immune responses are triggered, resulting in formation of gliosis around the electrodes. Formation of the scar would impede the transfer of signals and reduce long-term stability. Thus, neuroelectrodes with enhanced biocompatibility, stability, and low impedance are essential for inflammation control and neural signal transduction. This work combines MADA@PEDOT with GelMA to create a composite material. Compared with traditional neuroelectrodes, this combination provides several advantages: 1) the natural origins of DA and gelatin in MADA and GelMA gives them good biocompatibility to support cellular activities, reduce inflammatory responses. 2) GelMA/MADA@PEDOT has strong adhesion to cells and tissues. 3) GelMA hydrogels provide high mechanical flexibility and they can be tuned flexibly to apply to different settings, allowing a smoother and more tailored interface. This work provides a novel implantable conductive hydrogel to reduce inflammatory responses, solve problems with traditional materials, completing the preparation of reliable neuroelectrodes, and providing new insights for the neuroelectrode field.