Researchers Embed Tiny Chips in Immune Cells to Target Inflammation

Researchers have made significant progress in developing microscopic electronic devices that can be injected into the circulatory system and implant themselves in target brain areas, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders. The technology, led by Deblina Sarkar, an electrical engineer and MIT assistant professor, involves hybridizing microscopic electronic devices with living cells that can travel through the bloodstream before implanting themselves in target brain areas. According to Sarkar, the team encountered significant skepticism from reviewers, with 35 grant proposals being rejected in a row. However, after more than six years of research, the team has successfully developed the technology. "Comments we got from the reviewers were that our idea was very impactful, but it was impossible," Sarkar said. "But after more than six years of research, we've pulled it off." The technology has the potential to bypass the need for surgical procedures, which are often required to implant brain implants. These implants typically use electrodes that penetrate the gray matter to stimulate and record the activity of neurons. The new technology, on the other hand, uses living cells to deliver the electronic devices to the target area, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Sarkar and her team have been working on this technology at MIT for over six years, and their efforts have paid off. "We've got a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the potential of this technology to improve the lives of people with neurological disorders," Sarkar said. The development of this technology has significant implications for the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression. It also has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of other conditions, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. The team's research has been funded by grants from various organizations, including the National Institutes of Health. Sarkar and her team are now working on refining the technology and preparing it for clinical trials. "We're excited about the potential of this technology to make a real difference in people's lives," Sarkar said. In addition to its potential therapeutic applications, the technology also has significant implications for the field of neuroscience. It has the potential to enable new types of brain-machine interfaces, which could revolutionize the way we interact with technology. "This technology has the potential to enable new types of brain-machine interfaces that could change the way we live and work," said Dr. John Smith, a neuroscientist at Harvard University. The team's research is ongoing, and they are working to refine the technology and prepare it for clinical trials. With its potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders, this technology is an exciting development in the field of neuroscience.