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Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces

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A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "B：Biology and Biomedicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 9191

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mingde Du

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Guest Editor

Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, Aalto University, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
Interests: implantable neural probes; optical neuromodulation; flexible electronics

Dr. Gabriella Panuccio

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Guest Editor

Enhanced Regenerative Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
Interests: epilepsy; brain regeneration; biohybrid systems; closed-loop neuroprostheses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Erin Patrick

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
Interests: biophysical computational modeling; implantable neural interfaces
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Implantable neural interfaces have flourished in the past decades, and are playing an increasingly important role in fundamental neuroscience research and promising clinical solutions. Owing to the progress of microfabrication techniques and materials science, a number of appealing device architectures and working mechanisms have been demonstrated. Typically, organic semiconductor materials, flexible low-dimensional materials, and integrated opto-electronic devices have been promising candidates for future applications. In addition, there are multiple challenges that must be met. For example, the large number of channels in probes or electrodes dedicated to deep-brain applications (e.g., study of Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy), excellent flexibility and stability of the neural prosthesis for function restoration (e.g., retinal prosthesis for vision restoration). Beyond the devices with wired power supply, wireless tools have significantly expanded the approaches for studies with freely moving animals. Implantable neural interfaces are the most straightforward tool for us to understand the brain and nervous system, and will guide us for the building of brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) and artificial intelligence. In this Special Issue, we invite submissions reporting the state-of-the-art development of implantable neural interfaces and their applications.

Dr. Mingde Du
Dr. Gabriella Panuccio
Prof. Dr. Erin Patrick
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

neural probes
implanted devices
neural recording
neuromodulation
flexible neural electrodes

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Compound Neural Action Potentials for Functional Validation of a High-Density Intraneural Interface: A Preliminary Study

by Aritra Kundu, Erin Patrick, Seth Currlin, Ryan Madler, Francisco Delgado, Ahmed Fahmy, Rik Verplancke, Marco Ballini, Dries Braeken, Maaike Op de Beeck, Nima Maghari, Kevin J. Otto and Rizwan Bashirullah

Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020280 - 17 Feb 2024

Viewed by 746

Abstract

Compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) were used as a metric to assess the stimulation performance of a novel high-density, transverse, intrafascicular electrode in rat models. We show characteristic CNAPs recorded from distally implanted cuff electrodes. Evaluation of the CNAPs as a function of stimulus current and calculation of recruitment plots were used to obtain a qualitative approximation of the neural interface’s placement and orientation inside the nerve. This method avoids elaborate surgeries required for the implantation of EMG electrodes and thus minimizes surgical complications and may accelerate the healing process of the implanted subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces)

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20 pages, 3389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication Methods and Chronic In Vivo Validation of Mechanically Adaptive Microfluidic Intracortical Devices

by Youjoung Kim, Natalie N. Mueller, William E. Schwartzman, Danielle Sarno, Reagan Wynder, George F. Hoeferlin, Kaela Gisser, Jeffrey R. Capadona and Allison Hess-Dunning

Micromachines 2023, 14(5), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14051015 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

Intracortical neural probes are both a powerful tool in basic neuroscience studies of brain function and a critical component of brain computer interfaces (BCIs) designed to restore function to paralyzed patients. Intracortical neural probes can be used both to detect neural activity at single unit resolution and to stimulate small populations of neurons with high resolution. Unfortunately, intracortical neural probes tend to fail at chronic timepoints in large part due to the neuroinflammatory response that follows implantation and persistent dwelling in the cortex. Many promising approaches are under development to circumvent the inflammatory response, including the development of less inflammatory materials/device designs and the delivery of antioxidant or anti-inflammatory therapies. Here, we report on our recent efforts to integrate the neuroprotective effects of both a dynamically softening polymer substrate designed to minimize tissue strain and localized drug delivery at the intracortical neural probe/tissue interface through the incorporation of microfluidic channels within the probe. The fabrication process and device design were both optimized with respect to the resulting device mechanical properties, stability, and microfluidic functionality. The optimized devices were successfully able to deliver an antioxidant solution throughout a six-week in vivo rat study. Histological data indicated that a multi-outlet design was most effective at reducing markers of inflammation. The ability to reduce inflammation through a combined approach of drug delivery and soft materials as a platform technology allows future studies to explore additional therapeutics to further enhance intracortical neural probes performance and longevity for clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces)

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13 pages, 2250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Testing of a New Polyimide Thin Film Electrode for Stimulation, Recording, and Monitoring of Brain Activity

by Samuel Ong, Aura Kullmann, Steve Mertens, Dave Rosa and Camilo A Diaz-Botia

Micromachines 2022, 13(10), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13101798 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1678

Abstract

Subdural electrode arrays are used for monitoring cortical activity and functional brain mapping in patients with seizures. Until recently, the only commercially available arrays were silicone-based, whose thickness and lack of conformability could impact their performance. We designed, characterized, manufactured, and obtained FDA clearance for 29-day clinical use (510(k) K192764) of a new thin-film polyimide-based electrode array. This study describes the electrochemical characterization undertaken to evaluate the quality and reliability of electrical signal recordings and stimulation of these new arrays. Two testing paradigms were performed: a short-term active soak with electrical stimulation and a 29-day passive soak. Before and after each testing paradigm, the arrays were evaluated for their electrical performance using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Voltage Transients (VT). In all tests, the impedance remained within an acceptable range across all frequencies. The different CV curves showed no significant changes in shape or area, which is indicative of stable electrode material. The electrode polarization remained within appropriate limits to avoid hydrolysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces)

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13 pages, 3946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Three-Dimensional Nerve Stretch Growth Device towards an Implantable Neural Interface

by Xiao Li, Yongguang Chen, Xikai Tu and Hailong Huang

Micromachines 2022, 13(10), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13101558 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1561

Abstract

Because of rising traumatic accidents and diseases, the number of patients suffering from nerve injury is increasing. Without effective rehabilitation therapy, the patients will get motor or sensory function losses or even a lifelong disability. As for amputees, neural interface technology can be used to splice nerves and electrical wires together in a way that allows them to control an artificial limb as if it was a natural extension of the body. However, the means the need for an autologous nerve to stimulate axonal regeneration and extension into target tissues, which are limited by the supply of donor nerves. Based on the principle of mechanical force regulating axon growth, in this paper, we developed a three-dimensional nerve stretch growth device for an implantable neural interface. The device consists of three motors controlled by single chip microcomputer and some mechanical parts. The stability and reliability of the device were tested. Then, we used neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells by small chemical molecules to explore the optimal three-dimensional stretch culture parameters. Furthermore, we found that the axons were intact through 10 rotations per day and 1 mm of horizontal pulling per day. The results of this research will provide convenience for patients treated through an implantable neural interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces)

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Review

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10 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Neurologgers for Extracellular Recording of Neuronal Activity in the Brain of Freely Behaving Wild Animals

by Kaoru Ide and Susumu Takahashi

Micromachines 2022, 13(9), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13091529 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

Simultaneous monitoring of animal behavior and neuronal activity in the brain enables us to examine the neural underpinnings of behaviors. Conventionally, the neural activity data are buffered, amplified, multiplexed, and then converted from analog to digital in the head-stage amplifier, following which they are transferred to a storage server via a cable. Such tethered recording systems, intended for indoor use, hamper the free movement of animals in three-dimensional (3D) space as well as in large spaces or underwater, making it difficult to target wild animals active under natural conditions; it also presents challenges in realizing its applications to humans, such as the Brain–Machine Interfaces (BMI). Recent advances in micromachine technology have established a wireless logging device called a neurologger, which directly stores neural activity on ultra-compact memory media. The advent of the neurologger has triggered the examination of the neural correlates of 3D flight, underwater swimming of wild animals, and translocation experiments in the wild. Examples of the use of neurologgers will provide an insight into understanding the neural underpinnings of behaviors in the natural environment and contribute to the practical application of BMI. Here we outline the monitoring of the neural underpinnings of flying and swimming behaviors using neurologgers. We then focus on neuroethological findings and end by discussing their future perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Implantable Neural Interfaces)

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