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Bioadhesive hydrogel-coupled and miniaturized ultrasound transducer system for long-term, wearable neuromodulation

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Wing Kevin Tang

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Jinmo Jeong

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Ju-Chun Hsieh

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Mengmeng Yao

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Hong Ding

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Wenliang Wang

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Xiangping Liu

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Ilya Pyatnitskiy

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Weilong He

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • William D. Moscoso-Barrera

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Anakaren Romero Lozano

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Brinkley Artman

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Heeyong Huh

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Preston S. Wilson

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Huiliang Wang

    (The University of Texas at Austin)

Abstract

Transcranial focused ultrasound is a promising non-invasive method for neuromodulation, particularly for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. However, its use in wearable systems has been limited due to bulky devices and reliance on ultrasound gel, which dehydrates and lacks stable adhesion for long-term use. Here, we present a miniaturized wearable ultrasound device, comparable in size to standard electrophysiological electrodes, integrated with a bioadhesive hydrogel for stable, long-term somatosensory cortical stimulation. Our air-cavity Fresnel lens based self-focusing acoustic transducer was fabricated via a lithography-free microfabrication process, achieving 30.7 W/cm² (1.92 MPa) acoustic intensity and 10 mm focal depth. The hydrogel couplant exhibited less than 13% acoustic attenuation and maintained a stable adhesion force of 0.961 N/cm for 35 days. Using this system, we successfully suppressed somatosensory evoked potentials elicited by functional electrical stimulation over 28 days, demonstrating the device’s potential for long-term, wearable neuromodulation applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Wing Kevin Tang & Jinmo Jeong & Ju-Chun Hsieh & Mengmeng Yao & Hong Ding & Wenliang Wang & Xiangping Liu & Ilya Pyatnitskiy & Weilong He & William D. Moscoso-Barrera & Anakaren Romero Lozano & Bri, 2025. "Bioadhesive hydrogel-coupled and miniaturized ultrasound transducer system for long-term, wearable neuromodulation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60181-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60181-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shaoji Wu & Zhao Liu & Caihong Gong & Wanjiang Li & Sijia Xu & Rui Wen & Wen Feng & Zhiming Qiu & Yurong Yan, 2024. "Spider-silk-inspired strong and tough hydrogel fibers with anti-freezing and water retention properties," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Lei Zhang & Kirthika Senthil Kumar & Hao He & Catherine Jiayi Cai & Xu He & Huxin Gao & Shizhong Yue & Changsheng Li & Raymond Chee-Seong Seet & Hongliang Ren & Jianyong Ouyang, 2020. "Fully organic compliant dry electrodes self-adhesive to skin for long-term motion-robust epidermal biopotential monitoring," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
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