Compliant semiconductor scaffolds: building blocks for advanced neural interfaces

Neuroscience,neuroprosthetics and neural regeneration would benefit from more adequate interfacing devices.To understand how neurons communicate,process information and control behavior,researchers need to monitor nerve cell activity with high specifity and high spatio-temporal resolution.Neural prostheses require minimally invasive-implantable devices to re- place lost function, and bypass dysfunctional pathways in the nervous system. Devices built to repair damaged nerves have to support and promote regeneration of host neurons through an injured area. Finally, as neuromodulation is being elevated from last resort to first choice treatment for an increasing number of conditions, implantable devices able to perform targeted regu- lation of neural activity are needed. Recent advances in device miniaturization, materials engineering, and nanotechnology are enabling development of an increasing number of devices that effectively interface with neural circuits. Wireless spinal cord and deep brain stimulators, retinal and cochlear implants, high density electrodes arrays for neural recording have already proven to significantly impact fundamental research in neuro- science, as well as individuals＇ quality of life.

Nano functional neural interfaces

Engineered functional neural interfaces （fNIs） serve as essential abiotic-biotic transducers between an engineered system and the nervous system. They convert external physical stimuli to cellular signals in stimulation mode or read out biological processes in recording mode. Information can be exchanged using electricity, light, magnetic fields, mechanical forces, heat, or chemical signals. fNIs have found applications for studying processes in neural circuits from cell cultures to organs to whole organisms, fNI-facilitated signal transduction schemes, coupled with easily manipulable and observable external physical signals, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. This enticing field is rapidly evolving toward miniaturization and biomimicry to achieve long-term interface stability with great signal transduction efficiency. Not only has a new generation of neuroelectrodes been invented, but the use of advanced fNIs that explore other physical modalities of neuromodulation and recording has begun to increase. This review covers these exciting developments and applications of fNIs that rely on nanoelectrodes, nanotransducers, or bionanotransducers to establish an interface with the nervous system. These nano fNIs are promising in offering a high spatial resolution, high target specificity, and high communication bandwidth by allowing for a high density and count of signal channels with minimum material volume and area to dramatically improve the chronic integration of the fNI to the target neural tissue. Such demanding advances in nano fNIs will greatly facilitate new opportunities not only for studying basic neuroscience but also for diagnosing and treating various neurological diseases.

Artificial intelligence-assisted repair of peripheral nerve injury: a new research hotspot and associated challenges

Artificial intelligence can be indirectly applied to the repair of peripheral nerve injury.Specifically,it can be used to analyze and process data regarding peripheral nerve injury and repair,while study findings on peripheral nerve injury and repair can provide valuable data to enrich artificial intelligence algorithms.To investigate advances in the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,rehabilitation,and scientific examination of peripheral nerve injury,we used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to analyze the relevant literature included in the Web of Science from 1994–2023.We identified the following research hotspots in peripheral nerve injury and repair:(1)diagnosis,classification,and prognostic assessment of peripheral nerve injury using neuroimaging and artificial intelligence techniques,such as corneal confocal microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy;(2)motion control and rehabilitation following peripheral nerve injury using artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms,such as wearable devices and assisted wheelchair systems;(3)improving the accuracy and effectiveness of peripheral nerve electrical stimulation therapy using artificial intelligence techniques combined with deep learning,such as implantable peripheral nerve interfaces;(4)the application of artificial intelligence technology to brain-machine interfaces for disabled patients and those with reduced mobility,enabling them to control devices such as networked hand prostheses;(5)artificial intelligence robots that can replace doctors in certain procedures during surgery or rehabilitation,thereby reducing surgical risk and complications,and facilitating postoperative recovery.Although artificial intelligence has shown many benefits and potential applications in peripheral nerve injury and repair,there are some limitations to this technology,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(e.g.,privacy,data security,research transparency).Future research should address the issue of data collection,as large-scale,high-quality clinical datasets are required to establish effective artificial intelligence models.Multimodal data processing is also necessary,along with interdisciplinary collaboration,medical-industrial integration,and multicenter,large-sample clinical studies.

Human Being Emotion in Cognitive Intelligent Robotic Control Pt I: Quantum/Soft Computing Approach

The article consists of two parts.Part I shows the possibility of quantum/soft computing optimizers of knowledge bases(QSCOptKB™)as the toolkit of quantum deep machine learning technology implementation in the solution’s search of intelligent cognitive control tasks applied the cognitive helmet as neurointerface.In particular case,the aim of this part is to demonstrate the possibility of classifying the mental states of a human being operator in on line with knowledge extraction from electroencephalograms based on SCOptKB™and QCOptKB™sophisticated toolkit.Application of soft computing technologies to identify objective indicators of the psychophysiological state of an examined person described.The role and necessity of applying intelligent information technologies development based on computational intelligence toolkits in the task of objective estimation of a general psychophysical state of a human being operator shown.Developed information technology examined with special(difficult in diagnostic practice)examples emotion state estimation of autism children(ASD)and dementia and background of the knowledge bases design for intelligent robot of service use is it.Application of cognitive intelligent control in navigation of autonomous robot for avoidance of obstacles demonstrated.

A flexible three-dimensional electrode mesh:An enabling technology for wireless brain-computer interface prostheses

The neural interface is a key component in wireless brain–computer prostheses.In this study,we demonstrate that a unique three-dimensional(3D)microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate,which can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques,is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness.Furthermore,we demonstrate that it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation.The microneedle electrode is fabricated using drawing lithography technology from biocompatible materials.In this approach,the profile of a 3D microneedle electrode array is determined by the design of a two-dimensional(2D)pattern on the mask,which can be used to access different functional layers in different locations of the brain.Due to the sufficient stiffness of the electrode and the excellent flexibility of the mesh substrate,the electrode can penetrate into the tissue with its bottom layer fully conformal to the curved brain surface.Then,the exposed contact at the end of the microneedle electrode can successfully acquire neural signals from the brain.

Recent advances in electronic devices for monitoring and modulation of brain

The brain is actuated by billions of neurons with trillions of interconnections that regulate human behaviors.Understanding the mechanisms of these systems that induce sensory reactions and respond to disease remains one of the greatest challenges in science,engineering,and medicine.Recent advances in nanomaterials and nanotechnologies have led to the extensive research of electronic devices for brain interfaces to better understand the neural activities of the brains complex nervous system.The development of sensor devices for monitoring the physiological signals of the brain related to traumatic injury status has accompanied by the progress of electronic neural probes in parallel.In addition,these neurological and stereotactic surgical revolutions hold immense potential for clinical analysis of pharmacological systems within cerebral tissues.Here,we review the progress of electronic devices interfacing with brain in terms of the materials,fabrication technologies,and device designs.Neurophysiological activity can be measured and modulated by brain probes based on newly developed nanofabrication methodologies.Furthermore,in vivo pathological monitoring of the brain and pharmacological assessment has been developed in miniaturized and wireless form.We also consider the key challenges and prospects for further development,and explore the future directions emerging in the latest research.

Structures,properties,and challenges of emerging 2D materials in bioelectronics and biosensors

Bioelectronics are powerful tools for monitoring and stimulating biological and biochemical processes,with applications ranging from neural interface simulation to biosensing.The increasing demand for bioelectronics has greatly promoted the development of new nanomaterials as detection platforms.Recently,owing to their ultrathin structures and excellent physicochemical properties,emerging two-dimensional(2D)materials have become one of the most researched areas in the fields of bioelectronics and biosensors.In this timely review,the physicochemical structures of the most representative emerging 2D materials and the design of their nanostructures for engineering highperformance bioelectronic and biosensing devices are presented.We focus on the structural optimization of emerging 2D material-based composites to achieve better regulation for enhancing the performance of bioelectronics.Subsequently,the recent developments of emerging 2D materials in bioelectronics,such as neural interface simulation,biomolecular/biomarker detection,and skin sensors are discussed thoroughly.Finally,we provide conclusive views on the current challenges and future perspectives on utilizing emerging 2D materials and their composites for bioelectronics and biosensors.This review will offer important guidance in designing and applying emerging 2D materials in bioelectronics,thus further promoting their prospects in a wide biomedical field.

Bionic limb replacement:an evolving concept in lower extremity reconstruction

Limb loss is disabling and carries significant functional and psychological repercussions to both the individual and society.The numbers of amputees are forecasted to double by 2050 from vascular disease and diabetes alone.Europe has 4.66 million amputees(431,000 amputations per year)and the United States 2 million amputees(185,000 amputations per year).Microvascular expertise is now more commonplace,increasing the likelihood of limb salvage and replantation.Further reconstructive input can take advantage of nerve and tendon grafting/transfers,free tissue transfer,and complex bone reconstruction.When this strategy does not satisfy individual needs,such as that seen with unstable soft tissues,amputation may be requested or offered.In part,the decision for salvage,replantation,or amputation in the future is likely to be guided by the sophistication of limb substitutes.This review will introduce the growing domain of bionics and where research in this area may deliver a sought clinical need.

Management of symptomatic neuromas:a narrative review of the most common surgical treatment modalities in amputees

Symptomatic neuromas are an all-too-common complication following limb amputation or extremity trauma,leading to chronic and debilitating pain for patients.Surgical resection of symptomatic neuromas has proven to be the superior method of intervention,but traditional methods of neuroma resection do not address the underlying pathophysiology leading to the formation of a future symptomatic neuroma and lead to high reoperation rates.Novel approaches employ the physiology of peripheral nerve injury to harness the regeneration of nerves to their advantage.This review explores the underlying pathophysiology of neuroma formation and centralization of pain signaling.It compares the traditional surgical approach for symptomatic neuroma resection and describes three novel surgical strategies that harness this pathophysiology of neuroma formation to their advantage.The traditional resection of symptomatic neuromas is currently the standard of care for amputation patients,but new techniques including the regenerative peripheral nerve interface,targeted muscle reinnervation,and intraosseous transposition have shown promise in improving patient pain outcomes for postamputation pain and residual limb pain.Symptomatic neuromas are a chronic and debilitating complication following amputation procedures and trauma,and the current standard of care does not address the underlying pathophysiology leading to the formation of the neuroma.New techniques are under development that may provide improved patient pain outcomes and a higher level of care for symptomatic neuroma resection.