Conductive Hydrogels for Invasive Neural Interfaces: From Materials Engineering to Neural Signal Interfacing and Neurorehabilitation
- 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
- 2International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40000, Malaysia
- 3School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
Abstract
In invasive neural interfaces, mechanical mismatch between traditional rigid electrodes and brain tissue often leads to inflammation and signal attenuation. Conductive hydrogels have emerged as ideal alternative materials due to their tissue-matching modulus, hybrid conductive networks, and wet adhesion properties. In this paper, we provide a narrative review of research progress on conductive hydrogels in invasive neural interfaces: we elucidate electronic, ionic, and hybrid conduction mechanisms; critically compare strategies for modulus matching and interfacial adhesion (such as catechol chemistry and covalent anchoring); and summarize their applications in neural signal recording, electrical/optical modulation, and rehabilitation for spinal cord injury and stroke. Finally, we discuss current challenges regarding long-term stability, wireless integration, and intelligent closed-loop systems and outline future directions involving AI-driven design combined with 3D biomanufacturing.
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BibTeX
@article{chen2026conductive,
title = {{Conductive Hydrogels for Invasive Neural Interfaces: From Materials Engineering to Neural Signal Interfacing and Neurorehabilitation}},
author = {Wen Chen and Xin Chen and Lianwei Shen and Jing Deng and Yupeng Wang and Yiming Ran and Yinxu Wang and Yulei Xie},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27219885},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9885},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Conductive Hydrogels for Invasive Neural Interfaces: From Materials Engineering to Neural Signal Interfacing and Neurorehabilitation
AU - Wen Chen
AU - Xin Chen
AU - Lianwei Shen
AU - Jing Deng
AU - Yupeng Wang
AU - Yiming Ran
AU - Yinxu Wang
AU - Yulei Xie
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27219885
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9885
AB - In invasive neural interfaces, mechanical mismatch between traditional rigid electrodes and brain tissue often leads to inflammation and signal attenuation. Conductive hydrogels have emerged as ideal alternative materials due to their tissue-matching modulus, hybrid conductive networks, and wet adhesion properties. In this paper, we provide a narrative review of research progress on conductive hydrogels in invasive neural interfaces: we elucidate electronic, ionic, and hybrid conduction mechanisms; critically compare strategies for modulus matching and interfacial adhesion (such as catechol chemistry and covalent anchoring); and summarize their applications in neural signal recording, electrical/optical modulation, and rehabilitation for spinal cord injury and stroke. Finally, we discuss current challenges regarding long-term stability, wireless integration, and intelligent closed-loop systems and outline future directions involving AI-driven design combined with 3D biomanufacturing.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -