A Biohybrid Neural Interface—Human-Derived Supported Lipid Bilayers as a Biological Intermediary

Despite the exponential rise in the field of brain–computer interfaces (BCI), achieving long-term stability of microelectrodes in the nervous system remains a challenge. This is due to the inflammatory encapsulation of implanted neural probes, leading to a gradual decrease of device functionality after implantation, as a result of the foreign body reaction (FBR) triggered by the foreign material. The device morphology, biocompatible coating, and insertion method are key factors to consider in mitigating the FBR. Recently, biohybrid implants have gained popularity as a design for housing cultured cells by acting as a biological intermediate layer at the tissue-electrode interface and potentially improving biocompatibility and<i> in vivo</i> performance. <i>In vitro, </i>native supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) formed on thin film arrays have demonstrated to be powerful multimodal sensors used for a wide range of applications such as ion channel studies and understanding protein-lipid interactions. Herein, we introduce the first use of human-derived SLBs, integrated into biomimetic electronic devices, as a meditator between the implanted electrodes and neural tissue for enhanced tissue integration. This biohybrid modal offers a unique advantage to its counterparts by preserving the native environment and compositional complexity of the cell membrane, and implanting it to reduce inflammation rate and improve the device performance functionally and anatomically.