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Implantable bioelectronics for gut electrophysiology

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander J. Boys

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology
    Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering)

  • Amparo Güemes

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Liang Ma

    (University of California, Department of Electrical Engineering)

  • Rohit A. Gupta

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Pharmacology)

  • Zixuan Lu

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology)

  • Chaeyeon Lee

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Salim El-Hadwe

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering
    University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences)

  • Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Tobias E. Naegele

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Friederike Uhlig

    (University College Cork, Department of Physiology
    University College Cork, APC Microbiome Ireland
    University College Cork, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

  • Damiano G. Barone

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering
    University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences
    Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
    Rice University, Neuroengineering Initiative)

  • David C. Bulmer

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Pharmacology)

  • Jennifer N. Gelinas

    (University of California, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
    University of California, Department of Pediatrics
    Children’s Hospital of Orange County)

  • Niall P. Hyland

    (University College Cork, Department of Physiology
    University College Cork, APC Microbiome Ireland)

  • Dion Khodagholy

    (University of California, Department of Electrical Engineering)

  • George G. Malliaras

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Róisín M. Owens

    (University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology)

Abstract

A major regulator of gastrointestinal physiology is the enteric nervous system. This division of the autonomic nervous system is unique in its extensiveness, with neurons distributed from the esophagus to the rectum, and its capability for local information processing. However, the constant motion of the gut, arising from its relative movements in the peritoneal cavity and the peristaltic movements associated with gut motility, as well as the sparse distribution of the neurons constituting the enteric nervous system, has made access and analysis exceedingly challenging. Here, we present the construction and validation of a bioelectronic implant for accessing neural information from the distal colon. Our bioelectronic monitoring system demonstrates real-time electrophysiological recording in response to chemical and mechanical distension under anesthesia and to feeding and stress in freely-moving animals. Direct access to the communication pathways of the enteric nervous system paves the way for neuromodulation strategies targeting the gut–brain axis.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander J. Boys & Amparo Güemes & Liang Ma & Rohit A. Gupta & Zixuan Lu & Chaeyeon Lee & Salim El-Hadwe & Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte & Tobias E. Naegele & Friederike Uhlig & Damiano G. Barone & Dav, 2025. "Implantable bioelectronics for gut electrophysiology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65473-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65473-w
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