A Subdural Bioelectronic Implant to Record Electrical Activity from the Spinal Cord in Freely Moving Rats. Issue 20 (2nd May 2022) - Harland, Bruce
Abstract: Bioelectronic devices have found use at the interface with neural tissue to investigate and treat nervous system disorders. Here, the development and characterization of a very thin flexible bioelectronic implant inserted along the thoracic spinal cord in rats directly in contact with and conformable to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord are presented. There is no negative impact on hind‐limb functionality nor any change in the volume or shape of the spinal cord. The bioelectronic implant is maintained in rats for a period of 12 weeks. The first subdural recordings of spinal cord activity in freely moving animals are presented; rats are plugged in via a recording cable and allowed to freely behave and move around on a raised platform. Recordings contained multiple distinct voltage waveforms spatially localize to individual electrodes. This device has great potential to monitor electrical signaling in the spinal cord after an injury and in the future, this implant will facilitate the identification of biomarkers in spinal cord injury and recovery, while enabling the delivery of localized electroceutical and chemical treatments. Abstract : A very thin flexible bioelectronic implant that is inserted along the thoracic spinal cord in rats is demonstrated. Despite the highly sensitive environment, there is no negative impact on hind‐limb functionality over 12 weeks. The implant provides direct and continuous access to the spinal cord, allowing the first electrical recordings of spinal activity to be reported from freely behaving animals.