| Aug 10, 2022 |
|
(Nanowerk News) Flexible implanted electronics are a step closer toward clinical applications thanks to a recent breakthrough technology developed by a research team from Griffith University and UNSW Sydney (PNAS, “Wide bandgap semiconductor nanomembranes as a long-term biointerface for flexible, implanted neuromodulator”).
|
|
The work was pioneered by Dr Tuan-Khoa Nguyen, Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen and Dr Hoang-Phuong Phan (currently a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales) from Griffith University’s Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) using in-house silicon carbide technology as a new platform for long-term electronic biotissue interfaces.
|
 |
| Implanted SiC electronics for the nerve stimulation protocol. (A) Concept of SiC/SiO2 electronics for neuromodulation, promoting the recovery of motor and physiological functions. (B) Schematic illustration of the flexible SiC/SiO2 wrapped around a sciatic nerve for long-term electrical stimuli and sensing. (C) Exploded view of the proposed flexible SiC/SiO2 bioelectronic system (Al: aluminum). (Image: Tuan-Khoa Nguyen)
|
|
The project was hosted by the QMNC, which houses a part of the Queensland node of the Australian National Nanofabrication Facility (ANFF-Q).
|
|
ANFF-Q is a company established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy to provide nano- and microfabrication facilities for Australia’s researchers.
|
|
The QMNC offers unique capabilities for the development and characterisation of wide band gap material, a class of semiconductors that have electronic properties lying between non-conducing materials such as glass and semi-conducting materials such as silicon used for computer chips.
|
|
These properties allow devices made of these materials to operate at extreme conditions such as high voltage, high temperature, and corrosive environments.
|
|
The QMNC and ANFF-Q provided this project with silicon carbide materials, the scalable manufacturing capability, and advanced characterisation facilities for robust micro/nanobioelectronic devices.
|
|
“Implantable and flexible devices have enormous potential to treat chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and injuries to the spinal cord,” Dr Tuan-Khoa Nguyen said.
|
|
“These devices allow for direct diagnosis of disorders in internal organs and provide suitable therapies and treatments.
|
|
“For instance, such devices can offer electrical stimulations to targeted nerves to regulate abnormal impulses and restore body functions.”
|
|
Because of direct contact requirement with biofluids, maintaining their long-term operation when implanted is a daunting challenge.
|
|
The research team developed a robust and functional material system that could break through this bottleneck.
|
|
“The system consists of silicon carbide nanomembranes as the contact surface and silicon dioxide as the protective encapsulation, showing unrivalled stability and maintaining its functionality in biofluids,” Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen said.
|
|
“For the first time, our team has successfully developed a robust implantable electronic system with an expected duration of a few decades.”
|
|
The researchers demonstrated multiple modalities of impedance and temperature sensors, and neural stimulators together with effective peripheral nerve stimulation in animal models.
|
|
Corresponding author Dr Phan said implanted devices such as cardiac pace markers and deep brain stimulators had powerful capabilities for timely treatment of several chronical diseases.
|
|
“Traditional implants are bulky and have a different mechanical stiffness from human tissues that poses potential risks to patients. The development of mechanically soft but chemically strong electronic devices is the key solution to this long-standing problem,” Dr Phan said.
|
|
The concept of the silicon carbide flexible electronics provides promising avenues for neuroscience and neural stimulation therapies, which could offer live-saving treatments for chronic neurological diseases and stimulate patient recovery.
|
|
“To make this platform a reality, we are fortunate to have a strong multidisciplinary research team from Griffith University, UNSW, University of Queensland, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) – ERATO, with each bringing their expertise in material science, mechanical/electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering,” said Dr Phan.
|
