By Dave DeFusco

Scientists have developed advanced bioelectronic materials that significantly reduce interference between electronic devices and biological tissue—an innovation, outlined in the study “Orbit Symmetry Breaking in MXene Implements Enhanced Soft Bioelectronic Implants,” published in Science Advances—that could pave the way for major improvements in diagnosing, monitoring and treating heart disease.

The key to this innovation lies in a new material called OBXene, a modified form of MXene. MXenes are two-dimensional materials known for their high electrical conductivity and biocompatibility, but their practical use in bioelectronic implants has been hindered by high impedance, or a resistance to electrical signals, where the device and human tissues meet. The new OBXene material solves this by engineering the symmetry of MXenes, featuring the improvement of charge transfer, allowing for better electrical interaction with bodily tissues, and making it more efficient for use in medical implants.

The OBXene-based cardiac patch, developed by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, Columbia University and North Carolina State University, is designed for placement on the heart’s surface (epicardium) and offers a range of medical capabilities, from spatiotemporal mapping of the heart’s electrical activity to providing wireless, battery-free monitoring and stimulation of the heart in real-time. This is made possible by OBXene’s ability to not only conduct electrical signals but also sense pressure, temperature and mechanical strain on the heart.

“Importantly, the device is entirely soft and flexible, allowing it to conform to the organ’s shape and function for long periods without causing irritation or damage,” said Dr. Wubin Bai, senior author of the paper and assistant professor in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Applied Physical Sciences.

One of the standout features of the OBXene patch is its ability to operate wirelessly and without a battery, which is a major advancement in medical technology. Traditional medical implants rely on cumbersome battery systems that require regular maintenance or replacement. The OBXene patch, on the other hand, is powered wirelessly, which allows for continuous monitoring and therapeutic interventions without the need for invasive procedures to replace power sources.

Moreover, the patch is compatible with imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT scans. Unlike metal components, which can interfere with imaging, the OBXene material is fully transparent to these diagnostic tools, ensuring that patients can receive comprehensive care without interruptions caused by implant artifacts.

In tests conducted on both rodents and pigs, the patch demonstrated its ability to continuously monitor heart conditions and deliver therapies over an extended period, all while maintaining a strong interface with the tissue. These successful in-vivo trials represent a promising step toward the patch’s use in human clinical settings.

“The success of the OBXene patch in heart treatments also paves the way for future applications in other organs, such as the brain or lungs,” said Dr. Yizhang Wu, first author of the paper and currently an APS postdoc fellow. “We are optimistic that this technology could lead to a new era of bioelectronic implants that can treat a variety of diseases through continuous, real-time monitoring and intervention.”

The introduction of OBXene-based technology marks a major step forward in soft bioelectronics and could vastly improve patient outcomes in cardiovascular and other organ-related diseases. This innovation highlights the growing intersection of advanced materials science and healthcare, potentially saving millions of lives around the world.

“As the OBXene technology continues to evolve, further research and clinical trials will focus on refining its functionality and expanding its use to more complex medical scenarios, including integration with advanced electronic circuits for real-time data processing,” said Dr. Bai. “The impact on healthcare could be profound, offering new hope for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death globally.”

October 22, 2024