Implantable soft bladder-machine interface for neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction impairs bladder sensation and contraction, causing severe renal complications. The bladder’s large isotropic expansion hinders the development of implantable bioelectronic devices for monitoring and electrical stimulation. Addressing this, we report an implantable soft bladder-machine interface (BdMI) that integrates seamlessly with the bladder, providing monitoring and electrical stimulation. This BdMI features a conductive thin film capable of keeping functions under isotropic stretch up to 800%, created without the complex pre-stretching of its elastic substrate. We elucidate its stretchability mechanism and validate the BdMI in rat models, which enables simultaneous intravesical pressure detection, detrusor electromyographic monitoring, and electrical stimulation therapy. Implanted for 7 days, the BdMI operates efficiently and markedly reduces involuntary bladder contraction frequency post-stimulation. These findings validate the potential of BdMI in offering real-time, physiological feedback and electrical stimulation-based regulation for neurogenic bladder pathologies, marking a significant advancement in the field. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction impairs bladder sensation and contraction. Here, the authors report an implantable soft bladder-machine interface that integrates with the bladder providing monitoring and electrical stimulation.