Soft implant against inflammatory bowel disease

The research team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Tongji Hospital in China has developed a wireless stimulator of the splenic nerve (SpNWS), which treats inflammatory bowel disease by harnessing the body’s neural network.

The key innovation is that the entire device (electrodes, interconnects and wireless energy receivers) is manufactured with a conductive hydrogel specially designed. This material is as soft as biological tissues, highly elastic and can conduct electricity efficiently.

“The biggest challenges for long-term neural interfaces are mechanical misalignment and fibrosis caused by rigid implants. Our hydrogel device adapts perfectly to delicate nerves, operates without batteries, and communicates wirelessly through the skin, minimizing long-term damage and rejection,” he said. Zhiqiang Luocorresponding author of the study.

The implant is designed to modulate the splenic nerve, a key pathway in the body’s inflammatory reflex. In a rat model of chronic colitis, the SpNWS device was implanted and activated wirelessly for 20 minutes daily. The treatment led to a remarkable recovery: less damage to the colon, less weight loss and restoration of intestinal structure.

Mechanistic studies revealed that electrical stimulation rebalanced the intestinal immune environment. It suppressed pro-inflammatory T cells (TH 1 /TH 17 ) while promoting anti-inflammatory and regulatory T cells (TH 2 /T reg ). Critically, after five weeks, the device showed excellent biocompatibility without significant scar tissue encapsulation, a common problem that causes conventional implants to fail.

This work establishes a versatile platform for electroceutical therapy. Its soft, wireless design could be tailored to interact with various nerves and treat various conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes to metabolic disorders, ushering in a new era in bioelectronic medicine.