Work

A flexible three-dimensional electrode mesh: An enabling technology for wireless brain–computer interface prostheses

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: The neural interface is a key component in wireless brain-computer prostheses. In this study, we demonstrate that a unique three-dimensional (3D) microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate, which can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques, is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness. Furthermore, we demonstrate that it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation. The microneedle electrode is fabricated using drawing lithography technology from biocompatible materials. In this approach, the profile of a 3D microneedle electrode array is determined by the design of a two-dimensional (2D) pattern on the mask, which can be used to access different functional layers in different locations of the brain. Due to the sufficient stiffness of the electrode and the excellent flexibility of the mesh substrate, the electrode can penetrate into the tissue with its bottom layer fully conformal to the curved brain surface. Then, the exposed contact at the end of the microneedle electrode can successfully acquire neural signals from the brain.

Source: Microsystems & Nanoengineering

DOI: 10.1038/micronano.2016.12

Authors: Zhuolin Xiang, Jingquan Liu, Chengkuo Lee

Institutions: National University of Singapore, Suzhou Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,790

Funder: National Research Foundation