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Electronics with switchable flexibility for 3D conforming neural interfaces

delete2026-06-19
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OA
AI
X
Xingdao He
M
Matthew Chamberlin
Z
Zhaoqi Chen
J
Jing Li
Y
Yuyu Gao
F
Feng Guo
Y
Yutao Ma
X
Xiaohe Wei
X
Xuan Luo
W
Wencong Zhang
J
Jin Qu
D
Dengshuai Wei
G
Guangyu Zhu
F
Feng Wang
H
Han Zhang
X
Xinge Yu
X
Xi Chen
杨永 cover
杨永 (Yong Yang) *
P
Peng Shi *
DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aee2752delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The intricate cortical folds of large primates physically restrict access to substantial portions of neural information via interface devices. Here, we develop a bioelectronic system, sFlex-Fold, with switchable flexibility, representing the neural interface capable of nondestructive three-dimensional (3D) access to both cortical gyri and sulci, providing large-area, nonpenetrative deep tissue coverage. sFlex-Fold is based on an artificial intelligence (AI)–designed liquid metal alloy (LM-alloy), leveraging the phase change of the tailor-made LM-alloy to create neural interfacing electronics with tunable mechanical response to temperatures ranging from 25° to 37°C. The LM-alloy can be patterned into arbitrary circuit layouts with an ~10-micrometer resolution. The flexibility switching happens at the LM melting point, fine-tuned to 36.2°C, upon in vivo tissue contact, causing a three-order-of-magnitude reduction in the effective modulus of the implanted device. As a result, sFlex-Fold has the unique advantages of both a rigid and flexible state and can be morphed into complex, folded, 3D shapes. This enables nondestructive in vivo implantation into deep cortical sulci while maintaining large coverage (>80 square centimeters) over curved brain surfaces with tissue-matching mechanical compliance. Such 3D structural and mechanical mimicking enables high-quality electrical interfacing as quantitatively assessed using rodent and porcine models.

Journal

Science Advances cover
Science Advances
IF:
12.5
Papers:
2.0W
Citations:
18.1W

Organization

Kowloon Hospital cover
Kowloon Hospital
Scholars:
3
Papers: 3
Citations: 1.8K
S
shanghai technology university
Scholars:
2
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
C
city university of hong kong
Scholars:
5.1K
Papers: 3.0K
Citations: 2
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