Ultraminiaturized neural implanted constructs display minimal immunologic response

Biocompatibility of medical implants poses a significant challenge in medical technology. Neural implants, integral to curative therapies, initially exhibit efficacy but can lead to unforeseen long-term side effects. The material composition and dimensions of implants are critical factors influencing their biocompatibility within brain tissue. Typically, neural implants are identified as foreign entities by the patient's immune system, triggering persistent inflammation and severe adverse effects. In this study, we investigate the host response in mouse brain tissue of implanted microscale constructs measuring 0.1 × 0.1 × 1 mm³ fabricated from common microfabrication materials. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis reveals rapid recovery of brain parenchyma at 6 week interval post-implantation, accompanied by negligible or mild adverse immune responses during the experimental period. Histological assessments and cell marker stainings targeting astroglia, macrophages, and microglia demonstrate minimal impacts of the microconstructs on mouse brain tissue throughout the 24-week implantation period. Our findings indicate that untethered microimplants of this scale may have potential applications in medical technology and medical treatment for various brain diseases. In summary, this study supports the development of potentially biocompatible brain microimplants that could be useful for the long-term management of chronic brain disorders.