Temporary Organic Electrodes to Allow Implant and Removal of Bioelectronics without Surgery

Researchers at Lund University (Lund, Sweden) and Gothenburg University (Gothenburg, Sweden) have developed a technique that involves the injection of a solution containing nanoparticles into the tissue, using a needle with the dimensions of a human hair. These nanoparticles are composed of small molecular chains, known as polymers, and possess the remarkable ability to self-organize into a conducting structure while seamlessly integrating with the body's cells. The novelty of this approach lies in its minimally invasive nature. Furthermore, the particles naturally degrade and are excreted from the body post-treatment, eliminating the requirement for surgical extraction. Notably, the electrodes formed using this technique cover larger surface areas than their metal counterparts utilized in current practices, potentially enhancing the efficacy of the treatment.

“Our work naturally integrates electronics with biological systems, which opens up possibilities for therapies for non-chronic diseases, that are difficult to treat,” said Martin Hjort, a researcher at Lund University and first author of the study. “In the study, we used zebrafish, an excellent model for studying organic electrodes in brain structures.”

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