3D-Printed Soft, Rubbery Brain Implants

Brain implants are typically made from metal and other rigid materials that over time can cause inflammation and the buildup of scar tissue. Engineers are developing soft, flexible neural implants that can gently conform to the brain's contours and monitor activity over longer periods without aggravating surrounding tissue. Such flexible electronics could be softer alternatives to existing metal-based electrodes designed to monitor brain activity and may also be useful in brain implants that stimulate neural regions to ease symptoms of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and severe depression.