Mineral-Originated Bioelectronics for Inhibition via Lithium Electrochemistry

Bioelectronic devices have vast potential in medical applications, noted for their high spatiotemporal resolution and programmability. However, realizing molecularly specific and fully electronic modulation of bioactivities with exceptional digital controllability and precision remains challenging. Here, inspired by naturally occurring mineral-bio interactions, we developed the MOBILE (Mineral-Originated Bioelectronics for Inhibition via Lithium Electrochemistry) platform, which employs triphylite (LiFePO₄, LFP), a well-known cathode in battery research, as a bioelectronic electrode for specific ion (Li⁺) mediated biomodulation and achieved precise inhibition of neural activities. Our material platform, fundamentally different from existing ones, operates safely in biofluids and enables ultrafine lithium generation precision, including near-binary ON/OFF switching and highly localized lithium production. Such localization largely lowers dosages compared to conventional systematic lithium therapies and prevents potential side effects. We developed a novel direct photopatterning method that enables LFP easily adaptable for various advanced bioelectronic devices. Our MOBILE platform demonstrates effective bioactivity inhibition in both peripheral and central nervous system, making it a potential candidate for local anesthesia and pointing to future biomedical applications.