Articular neural bioelectronics by decoupling mechanical strain from electron transport

Implantable bioelectronics for dynamic articular nerves require interfaces that harmonize extreme mechanical compliance at extreme strains exceeding 120%, stable conductivity, and metabolic permeability-a triad unattained by current stretchable devices. Here, we introduce liquid metal-based ultraelastic fibrous bioelectronics for articular nerves that overcome interfacial and mechanical limitations through molecular engineering and structural design. Thiol-functionalized self-assembled monolayers on liquid metal nanoparticles enhance interfacial adhesion with neural tissues, eliminating fibrous encapsulation, while anisotropic silver nanowire networks decouple mechanical strain from electron transport, achieving negligible resistance variation under 150% repetitive strain. The porous mesh structure enables fluid permeability five orders of magnitude higher than conventional materials, ensuring physiological nutrient exchange in synovial joints. In vivo integration with rat ulnar nerves demonstrated chronic neuromodulation over 6 weeks without disruption of functional behavior. This work redefines biomechanically adaptive neuroelectronics, offering a universal framework for interfacing dynamic biological systems, from prosthetic sensory feedback to treating neurodegenerative pathologies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea3345
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Articular neural bioelectronics by decoupling mechanical strain from electron transport

Juan Ma, Fei Jin, F.-S. Wang, S. Wang et al.
Science Advances
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Articular neural bioelectronics by decoupling mechanical strain from electron transport

Juan Ma, Fei Jin, F.-S. Wang, S. Wang, Lisha Hua, Zhang‐Qi Feng, Tong Li, Ting Wang, Zhidong Wei
article en

Abstract

Implantable bioelectronics for dynamic articular nerves require interfaces that harmonize extreme mechanical compliance at extreme strains exceeding 120%, stable conductivity, and metabolic permeability-a triad unattained by current stretchable devices. Here, we introduce liquid metal-based ultraelastic fibrous bioelectronics for articular nerves that overcome interfacial and mechanical limitations through molecular engineering and structural design. Thiol-functionalized self-assembled monolayers on liquid metal nanoparticles enhance interfacial adhesion with neural tissues, eliminating fibrous encapsulation, while anisotropic silver nanowire networks decouple mechanical strain from electron transport, achieving negligible resistance variation under 150% repetitive strain. The porous mesh structure enables fluid permeability five orders of magnitude higher than conventional materials, ensuring physiological nutrient exchange in synovial joints. In vivo integration with rat ulnar nerves demonstrated chronic neuromodulation over 6 weeks without disruption of functional behavior. This work redefines biomechanically adaptive neuroelectronics, offering a universal framework for interfacing dynamic biological systems, from prosthetic sensory feedback to treating neurodegenerative pathologies.

Science AdvancesVol. 11(48)
City University of Hong Kong (HK), Nanjing University of Science and Technology (CN), Southeast University (CN), University of Hong Kong (HK)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Openalex Percentile: Top 64%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
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