Reversible Thermoactuation Unlocks Minimally Invasive Implantation and Retrieval of Soft Bioelectronics
Abstract
ABSTRACT Minimally invasive delivery of bioelectronics is currently limited by the irreversibility of deployment, rendering device retrieval traumatic and hindering clinical translation. Here, for the first time, we introduce a novel thermoresponsive, reversible‐actuating polymer (Trap) that enables both minimally invasive implantation and retrieval. Trap exhibits a mechanistically unique dual‐crystalline competition between (110)‐oriented low‐entropy crystals and (100)‐oriented high‐entropy crystals. The competitive crystallization governs bidirectional, stress‐free shape memory within a human‐compatible window (10°C–37°C), enabling rapid (<3 s), fatigue‐resistant, and large reversible strain (∼30.17%). The solid–solid switching between two nanocrystalline states provides a robust and tunable actuation mode, allowing Trap to transition reversibly between compact 1D and functional 2D/3D geometries without mechanical loading. This materials’ innovation directly enables microinvasive deployment and retraction of Trap‐based neural electrodes through the same small incision (∼5 mm), as well as autonomous helical self‐assembly and thermal detachment on peripheral nerves, achieving stable electrophysiological interfacing over weeks to months. This work establishes a material‐centered framework for reversible biointerfaces, resolving the conflict between surgical invasiveness and device retrievability.
Article Details
Authors (14)
Qinyi Zhao
MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin P. R. China
Qiliang Liu
Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Research Center for Industries of the Future
Bin Li
Xuemiao Yang
MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin P. R. China
Jiazhen Yan
MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin P. R. China
Jixiang Zou
State Key Laboratory of Space Power‐Sources MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage MOE Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Carbon Neutrality in Cold Regions School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin P. R. China
Rui Zhang
Gongwei Tian
Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi‐modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Zhengzhou Research Institute Zhengzhou 450000 P.R. China
Mingxuan Cui
State Key Laboratory of Space Power‐Sources MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage MOE Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Carbon Neutrality in Cold Regions School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin P. R. China
Qiulin Wang
Jing Sun
Zhiyuan Liu
Yan Liu
Dianpeng Qi
Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi‐modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Harbin Institute of Technology Zhengzhou Research Institute Zhengzhou 450000 P.R. China