New Nanotech Brain Implants Self-Implant Without Surgery | MedScape

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, have taken another page right out of a science fiction novel. This time, by designing and building microscopic, wireless bioelectronics that can travel through the circulatory system and autonomously implant themselves in an inflamed region of the brain to deliver precise neuromodulation as treatment.

All it takes is a simple injection in the arm.

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And that’s the ideal outcome here: The ability to modify the cells these devices attach to so they can target specific conditions as needed. “In our lab, we have promising results in Alzheimer’s disease, glioblastoma, and chronic pain,” said Sarkar. “The electronics themselves do not independently detect disease signals; instead, they leverage the highly evolved sensing and trafficking capabilities of the cells they are attached to. Once the hybrids reach the target region and exit the vasculature, the devices autonomously self-implant within the tissue microenvironment.”

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Another unknown: Can it work in humans? “It is unclear if the infrared light can penetrate the human skull as it does the mouse model,” said McCarthy. “There is no explanation of long-term outcomes or excretion of the device, or if additional therapies would be necessary or safe.”

This technology is highly experimental, but fascinating. See here:

New Nanotech Brain Implants Self-Implant Without Surgery

Don Johnson