Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces

We design flexible bioelectronic interfaces by coupling polymer technologies with nanomaterials, biomaterials, and biodegradable materials. These interfaces are mainly used for electrophysiological measurements on the central and peripheral nervous systems, in vivo on small animals, ex vivo on slices and in vitro on organoid models.

Design and characterization of flexible microelectrodes for implantable neuroprostheses

This project focuses on the development of flexible, biocompatible microelectrodes designed to optimize interactions between the brain and electronic devices. Using biocompatible and flexible materials such as parylene, we are designing implantable devices whose compliance is perfectly adapted to brain tissue. This approach significantly reduces inflammatory reactions caused by brain movements. In addition, the integration of organic nanomaterials, such as conductive polymers (PEDOT:PSS), improves both the quality of the electrophysiological signals recorded and the efficiency of electrical stimulation. The simple yet innovative manufacturing processes developed open up promising prospects for advances in neuroprosthetics and neuronal interfaces.

Researchers

Ali Maziz, Christian Bergaud

Engineers

Adrian Laborde

Projects

ANR 3DBRAIN 2019-2024

ANR 3DNeurochip 2019-2024

Publications

Scalable batch fabrication of ultrathin flexible neural probes using a bioresorbable silk layer

C., Laborde, A., Nowak, L. G., Arvanitis, D. N., Bourrier, D., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. Microsystems & Nanoengineering, 8(1), 21, 2022

Progress in conducting polymers for biointerfacing and biorecognition applications

A., Özgür, E., Bergaud, C., & Uzun, L. Sensors and Actuators Reports, 3, 100035, 2021

Parylene-based flexible neural probes with PEDOT coated surface for brain stimulation and recording

Castagnola, V., Descamps, E., Lecestre, A., Dahan, L., Remaud, J., Nowak, L. G., & Bergaud, C. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 67, 450-457, 2015
Silk and PEG as means to stiffen a parylene probe for insertion in the brain: toward a double time-scale tool for local drug delivery

Lecomte, A., Castagnola, V., Descamps, E., Dahan, L., Blatché, M. C., Dinis, T. M., ... & Bergaud, C. Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 25(12), 125003, 2015

Morphology and conductivity of PEDOT layers produced by different electrochemical routes

Castagnola, V., Bayon, C., Descamps, E., & Bergaud, C. Synthetic metals, 189, 7-16, 2014

Development of resorbable biomaterial-based electrodes for mapping electrical activity in the brain

This project focuses on the design of a miniaturized brain implant made entirely from biocompatible and biodegradable materials. These bioresorbable electrodes enable precise, temporary mapping of the brain's electrical activity, offering an innovative solution for post-operative monitoring and transient diagnosis in neurosurgery. This approach reduces the need for additional invasive procedures to remove the implant, while ensuring optimal compatibility with brain tissue.

Researchers

Ali Maziz, Christian Bergaud

Engineers

David Bourrier, Adrian Laborde

Project

ANR 3DBrain 2019-2024

Publications

Scalable batch fabrication of ultrathin flexible neural probes using a bioresorbable silk layer

Cointe, C., Laborde, A., Nowak, L. G., Arvanitis, D. N., Bourrier, D., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. Microsystems & Nanoengineering, 8(1), 21, 2022

A top-down fabrication approach for delivering implantable and ultrathin flexible brain probes

Cointe, C., Eddarir, A., Arvanitis, D. N., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. In 2022 IEEE 35th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Conference (MEMS) (pp. 420-423). IEEE, 2022

Tuning the properties of silk fibroin biomaterial via chemical cross-linking

Maziz, A., Leprette, O., Boyer, L., Blatché, C., & Bergaud, C. Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express, 4(6), 065012, 2018

Development of innovative electrochemical sensors for monitoring brain metabolism

This project aims to design implantable electrochemical microsensors, based on organic nanomaterials, to monitor brain metabolism. These devices enable the precise detection of neurotransmitters involved in various neurological disorders, such as epileptic seizures. Thanks to their high sensitivity and selectivity, these sensors offer a powerful tool for better understanding the underlying biological mechanisms and contributing to the development of appropriate treatments.

Researchers

Ali Maziz, Christian Bergaud

Engineers

Adrian Laborde

Project

ANR 3DBrain 2019-2024

Publications

Nanofibrous PEDOT-Carbon Composite on Flexible Probes for Soft Neural Interfacing

Vajrala, V. S., Saunier, V., Nowak, L. G., Flahaut, E., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 9, 780197, 2021
Carbon nanofiber-PEDOT composite films as novel microelectrode for neural interfaces and biosensing

Saunier, V., Flahaut, E., Blatché, M. C., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. Biosensors and bioelectronics, 165, 112413, 2020

Microelectrodes from PEDOT-carbon nanofiber composite for high performance neural recording, stimulation and neurochemical sensing

Saunier, V., Flahaut, E., Blatché, M. C., Bergaud, C., & Maziz, A. MethodsX, 7, 101106, 2020

Development of a multimodal platform for functional monitoring and modeling of 3D cell cultures

This project aims to develop a platform for electrophysiological measurements using in vitro biological models, by recreating healthy and pathological tissues in three dimensions. The platform consists of an array of planar microelectrodes and implantable flexible electrodes, enabling electrophysiological measurements to be coupled on the surface and inside 3D tissues. Electrical stimulation can also be applied to the tissue in a highly localized manner at the level of each electrode. Applications include pharmacological screening, toxicological testing, and the development of therapeutic approaches.