Needle-thin brain implant performs three functions in one flexible fiber

A new needle-thin brain implant that records neural activity, delivers drugs, and stimulates multiple brain regions in a single flexible fiber has been successfully tested in mice, potentially offering a less invasive tool for studying the brain and treating disorders like epilepsy. Developed by researchers from DTU, the University of Copenhagen, and University College London, the microfluidic Axialtrode features microscopic channels along its length, enabling simultaneous recording, drug delivery, and light stimulation at multiple depths. Unlike rigid silicon implants, its soft, plastic-like design reduces tissue damage and inflammation. The device was tested in living mice, stimulating nerve cells with blue and red light while recording activity from the cortex and hippocampus. The team is now patenting the technology, though clinical use remains distant pending further testing and regulatory approvals.