MIT Develops Injectable Brain Implants to Treat Neurological Diseases

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made significant advancements in the development of therapeutic brain implants that can be injected into the body, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of serious neurological diseases. This innovative approach, which allows for tiny electronic chips to travel through the bloodstream and self-implant in targeted areas of the brain, could eliminate the need for invasive surgical procedures, reducing both risks and costs associated with traditional brain surgeries.

The team, led by Deblina Sarkar, the AT&T Career Development Associate Professor at the MIT Media Lab, demonstrated that these microscopic, wireless devices can autonomously navigate to specific brain regions. The implants, referred to as “circulatronics,” provide precise electrical stimulation, a process known as neuromodulation, which has shown promise in treating conditions such as brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

In studies conducted on mice, the researchers found that the implants could effectively identify and reach targeted areas of inflammation in the brain. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of many neurological conditions. The use of these bioelectronics is groundbreaking because they can cross the blood-brain barrier without compromising its protective functions, a significant challenge in neuroscience.

Innovative Technology and Development

The concept of circulatronics has been in development for over six years. Each device is approximately one billionth the length of a grain of rice, composed of organic semiconducting polymer layers encased in metallic layers. These electronic heterostructures are fabricated using advanced processes compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. By integrating these devices with living cells, the researchers have created hybrids that can evade the immune system, facilitating their passage through the bloodstream and across the blood-brain barrier.

Sarkar explained the significance of this integration: “Our cell-electronics hybrid fuses the versatility of electronics with the biological transport and biochemical sensing prowess of living cells.” The success of this technology lies in the high wireless power conversion efficiency of the tiny implants, which allows them to function effectively deep within the brain while providing essential stimulation to targeted neurons.

The researchers utilized monocytes, a type of immune cell, to enhance the targeting capability of the implants. They also incorporated a fluorescent dye to trace the devices as they crossed the blood-brain barrier and self-implanted within the brain. The precision of the circulatronics technology enables localized neuromodulation, achieving accuracy within several microns of specific areas.

Future Implications and Clinical Trials

The potential applications for circulatronics are vast. The Sarkar lab is currently focused on extending this technology to treat various conditions, including brain cancers such as glioblastoma, which can present multiple tumor locations that are challenging to detect. Additionally, this technology may be beneficial for addressing aggressive tumors like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, located in the brain stem, which are typically inoperable.

Sarkar emphasized the broader implications of this research, stating, “This is a platform technology and may be employed to treat multiple brain diseases and mental illnesses.” The researchers aim to initiate clinical trials within three years through their newly established startup, Cahira Technologies. They are also exploring the integration of additional nanoelectronic circuits to enhance the functionality of the implants, potentially allowing for on-chip data analysis and the creation of synthetic electronic neurons.

As this groundbreaking research progresses, the hope is to alleviate human suffering caused by neurological disorders, paving the way for a future where therapeutic interventions can transcend current biological limitations. The study detailing these findings is published in Nature Biotechnology and highlights a promising shift toward non-invasive treatment options for complex brain conditions.

For more information, refer to the article “A nonsurgical brain implant enabled through a cell–electronics hybrid for focal neuromodulation” in Nature Biotechnology (March 2025).