Advancements in Spinal Cord Research Using Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors for Enhanced Neural Interfacing

<b>Background:</b> Advancements in bioelectronics and Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors (OMIECs) are propelling spinal cord research into new frontiers. These developments have led to electrodes with low impedance and high charge storage capacity, enhancing electrochemical performance and minimizing tissue trauma. Building on this progress, we have designed a groundbreaking flexible device that can be conformably wrapped around the spinal cord. This device leverages the functional anatomy of the spinal cord for precise, high-fidelity neural interfacing, representing a significant innovation in spinal cord interfacing.<br/><br/><b>Methods:</b> We evaluated our device's efficacy and versatility through implantations in diverse models. Initial tests were conducted on rodents to assess basic functionality and safety, followed by trials in porcine models to evaluate adaptability and performance. Additionally, trials on human cadavers were performed to simulate clinical applicability and anatomical integration.<br/><br/><b>Results: </b>The device demonstrated successful implantation and high-resolution interfacing with the spinal cord in rodent and porcine models. It enabled precise, muscle-specific controlled movements in anesthetized animals, indicating effective targeted stimulation. Additionally, the device facilitated high-fidelity recording of neural activity from the spinal cord of freely walking rodents. These neural recordings were combined with evoked stimuli and kinematic analysis of the animals' movements, allowing for the precise localization of spinal cord loci associated with specific functions.<br/><br/><b>Conclusion:</b> Our research represents a substantial advancement in spinal cord interface technology. The device's successful performance across diverse models highlights its adaptability and potential applications in spinal cord research and clinical settings.