A Bioresorbable Neural Interface for On-Demand Thermal Pain Block
Jeonghwan Park (Northwestern University)
Hak Young Ahn (Northwestern University)
Minho Seong (Pukyong National University)
Taehoon Kim (Northwestern University)
Yulin Zhou (Rice University)
Yameng Xu (Washington University in St. Louis, Washington University School of Medicine)
Jaehee Lee (Northwestern University)
Ritika Raj Menghani (Rice University)
Elena Aprea (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)
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Abstract
Conventional strategies for the management of acute pain have significant limitations. Pharmaceutical approaches carry risks for addiction and misuse. Standard implantable devices require secondary surgeries for removal and physical tethers to external systems for power and control. Recent work on bioresorbable electrical stimulators overcomes certain of these drawbacks, but existing versions still depend on transcutaneous leads. Here, we introduce a platform that employs thermal mechanisms for nerve block to bypass some of these limitations. The system integrates both a Joule heating element and a resistive temperature sensor in a soft cuff structure as a nerve interface, in which most of the materials are bioresorbable over a clinically relevant timeframe. This design enables precise control of nerve temperature within a safe range (≤45°C) for effective nerve block through a feedback-guided strategy that continuously monitors temperature and adjusts current in real time. Options for wireless power delivery eliminate the need for external interfaces. Small animal model studies confirm the reversible and non-invasive operation of this system. The results demonstrate effective suppression of compound nerve action potentials in response to thermal stimulation, with recovery of nerve conduction upon cooling. These findings highlight the potential of this platform as a safe and effective solution to acute pain management.
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