Shape-conformal porous frameworks for full coverage of neural organoids and high-resolution electrophysiology
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Human neural organoids are essential platforms for fundamental and applied research due partly to their complex, three-dimensional neuronal circuit geometries. Standard and recently developed neural interface technologies have shortcomings in their ability to electrically characterize and control neural activity in these systems, owing to their limited accessibility to neuron populations and microelectrode densities. Here we report a shape-matched, soft, three-dimensional mesoscale framework with nearly full surface coverage to neural organoids that supports high channel count interfaces for precision electrophysiology and programmed electrical stimulation. The neural interface is designed via inverse modelling techniques and self-assembles three-dimensionally around the organoids. Three-dimensional reconstruction of neural activities allows high-resolution spatial electrophysiology to reveal network-level characteristics in neural organoids. The porous framework offers options for simultaneous fluorescence imaging, localized optogenetic neuromodulation, longitudinal monitoring, pharmacological evaluations and modelling of neural disease phenotypes, demonstrating broad applicability for studies of human-derived cortical and spinal organoids. A 3D soft electronic mesh allows high-resolution electrical recording and stimulation across the full surface of neural organoids, enabling long-term studies, drug testing and optogenetic control without compromising their viability owing to its porous design.
Source: Nature Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Naijia Liu, Shahrzad Shiravi, Tianqi Jin, Jiaqi Liu, Zhengguang Zhu, Jiying Li, Ingrid Cheung, Haohui Zhang, Yue Wang, Qingyuan Li, Zijie Xu, Liangsong Zeng, Maria Jose Quezada, Andres Villalobos, Yasaman Samei, Shreyaa Khanna, Shuozhen Bao, Mingzheng Wu, Sida Liang, Xu Cheng, Zengyao Lv, Woo-Youl Maeng, Yamin Zhang, Yamin Zhang, Haiwen Luan, Stephen A. Boppart, Yonggang Huang, Yihui Zhang, Yihui Zhang, Colin K. Franz, John D. Finan, John A. Rogers
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
OpenAlex ID: W7130309155