Light-Controlled Battery-Integrated Nerve Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Pain Management

Pain management typically relies on pharmaceutical treatments, which frequently carry a risk of dependence and exhibit limited efficacy. The utilization of implantable electroceuticals is a developing field that shows great promise as an alternative. However, current devices are incapable of providing long-term, reliable electrical stimulation in situ. Here, we present a light-controlled, battery-integrated nerve conduit with tunable output, enabled by the light-induced reversible relocation of water molecules in the electrolyte. Precise modulation of the nerve conduit’s electrical output is realized through the modulation of light intensity and pulsing protocols. The design of the device eliminates the need for external control circuitry, thus minimizing the size and maximizing energy efficiency. Consequently, the nerve conduit possesses a total volume of just 26 mm3. This compact and conformal design enables direct nerve interfacing, and hence facilitates precise and programmable neuromodulation in situ. Moreover, in vivo studies demonstrate its efficacy in the inhibition of peripheral nerve pain for a period of up to 30 days.