Bioelectronic Therapies Through Precision Control

Many diseases and disorders result from abnormal nerve activity, yet current treatments often affect broad neural pathways, which can cause unwanted side effects. This ongoing research is developing new ways to treat these conditions by precisely regulating the activity of small groups of fibers within peripheral nerves. Our approach is to deliver precision ‘bioelectronic therapies’ using longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs), tiny electrodes implanted within peripheral nerve fascicles, to selectively activate or block targeted nerve-fiber populations while minimizing effects on neighboring pathways.

Our studies have shown that high-frequency stimulation can produce graded, fascicle-selective conduction block, while strategic electrode placement and configuration can recruit distinct fiber subpopulations and steer electric fields toward specific targets within a single fascicle. Building on these findings, the project is further improving selectivity by optimizing electrode placement, employing multiple-electrode configurations, and modifying stimulation waveforms beyond conventional square pulses to exploit differences in nerve-fiber electrophysiology. Intrafascicular interfaces can therefore function not only as activators of neural activity but also as selective suppressors of neural activity.

Together, these complementary approaches establish a foundation for adaptive neural interfaces capable of turning desired neural pathways on and unwanted pathways off with unprecedented precision. Such capabilities could improve treatments for chronic pain, migraines, movement disorders, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, and sensory loss after amputation while reducing treatment-related side effects. Future work will focus on validating these strategies, improving long-term electrode stability and surgical implantation methods, and integrating selective activation and block within a single personalized neural interface.