Research (Jan 2024)

Biocompatible Biphasic Iontronics Enable Neuron-Like Ionic Signal Transmission

  • Xiaoyi Wang,
  • Aleksandar P. Ivanov,
  • Joshua B. Edel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.34133/research.0294
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

Read online

Biocompatible connections between external artificial devices and living organisms show promise for future neuroprosthetics and therapeutics. The study in Science by Zhao and colleagues introduces a cascade-heterogated biphasic gel (HBG) iontronic device, which facilitates electronic-to-multi-ionic signal transduction for abiotic–biotic interfaces. Inspired by neuron signaling, the HBG device demonstrated its biocompatibility by regulating neural activity in biological tissue, paving the way for wearable and implantable devices, including brain–computer interfaces.