3D‐Printable, Honeycomb‐Inspired Tissue‐Like Bioelectrodes for Patient‐Specific Neural Interface

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Authors: Marzia Momin, Luyi Feng, Xiaoai Chen, Salahuddin Ahmed, Basma AlMahmood, L. Huang, Jiashu Ren, Xinyi Wang, Hyunjin Lee, Samuel Cramer, Nanyin Zhang, Sulin Zhang
+1 more Tao Zhou
Cited by: 4
References: 50

Abstract

The unique gyral patterns of the human brain demand patient-specific neural interfaces to achieve precise neuromodulation, mitigate adverse tissue responses, and optimize therapeutic efficacy and safety. One-size-fits-all, conventional rigid electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes, standardized for mass production through lithographic techniques, exhibit limited conformability to the brain's heterogeneous cortical topography. This mechanical mismatch results in poor electrode-tissue contact, signal loss, and foreign body responses. To address these limitations, we present an integrated novel platform, synergizing MRI-based anatomical mapping, finite element analysis (FEA)-optimized mechanical design, and direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing to fabricate electrodes customized to individual gyral patterns. The resulting honeycomb-inspired printable gel electrode (HiPGE) employs a bioinspired honeycomb architecture with ultra-soft hydrogels, engineered to match the bending stiffness of brain tissue (0.1-10 kPa) while maintaining cost-efficiency and long-term durability. This mechanical congruence ensures exceptional cortical conformability and adaptive interfacing, circumventing the geometric and material limitations of traditional rigid electrodes. By combining patient-specific design with scalable fabrication, our platform establishes a transformative framework for neural interface engineering, enhancing precision, biocompatibility, and functional performance in neuromodulation therapies and neuroprosthetic applications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neuroscience and Neural Engineering Neurological disorders and treatments 3D Printing in Biomedical Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
38
Issue
31
Pages
e16291–e16291
Publication date
14 March 2026
Language
EN