MRI magnetic compatible electrical neural interface: From materials to application

Monolayer, open-mesh, pristine PEDOT:PSS-based conformal brain implants for fully MRI-compatible neural interfaces

Understanding brain function is essential for advancing our comprehension of human cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands out as a powerful tool for exploring brain function, providing detailed insights into its structure and physiology. Combining MRI technology with electrophysiological recording system can enhance the comprehension of brain functionality through synergistic effects. However, the integration of neural implants with MRI technology presents challenges because of its strong electromagnetic (EM) energy during MRI scans. Therefore, MRI-compatible neural implants should facilitate detailed investigation of neural activities and brain functions in real-time in high resolution, without compromising patient safety and imaging quality. Here, we introduce the fully MRI-compatible monolayer open-mesh pristine PEDOT:PSS neural interface. This approach addresses the challenges encountered while using traditional metal-based electrodes in the MRI environment such as induced heat or imaging artifacts. PEDOT:PSS has a diamagnetic property with low electrical conductivity and negative magnetic susceptibility similar to human tissues. Furthermore, by adopting the optimized open-mesh structure, the induced currents generated by EM energy are significantly diminished, leading to optimized MRI compatibility. Through simulations and experiments, our PEDOT:PSS-based open-mesh electrodes showed improved performance in reducing heat generation and eliminating imaging artifacts in an MRI environment. The electrophysiological recording capability was also validated by measuring the local field potential (LFP) from the somatosensory cortex with an in vivo experiment. The development of neural implants with maximized MRI compatibility indicates the possibility of potential tools for future neural diagnostics.

Structurally Aligned Multifunctional Neural Probe (SAMP) Using Forest-Drawn CNT Sheet onto Thermally Drawn Polymer Fiber for Long-Term In Vivo Operation

Neural probe engineering is a dynamic field, driving innovation in neuroscience and addressing scientific and medical demands. Recent advancements involve integrating nanomaterials to improve performance, aiming for sustained in vivo functionality. However, challenges persist due to size, stiffness, complexity, and manufacturing intricacies. To address these issues, a neural interface utilizing freestanding CNT-sheets drawn from CNT-forests integrated onto thermally drawn functional polymer fibers is proposed. This approach yields a device with structural alignment, resulting in exceptional electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties while retaining biocompatibility for prolonged periods of implantation. This Structurally Aligned Multifunctional neural Probe (SAMP) employing forest-drawn CNT sheets demonstrates in vivo capabilities in neural recording, neurotransmitter detection, and brain/spinal cord circuit manipulation via optogenetics, maintaining functionality for over a year post-implantation. The straightforward fabrication method's versatility, coupled with the device's functional reliability, underscores the significance of this technique in the next-generation carbon-based implants. Moreover, the device's longevity and multifunctionality position it as a promising platform for long-term neuroscience research.

The Frequency Effect of the Motor Imagery Brain Computer Interface Training on Cortical Response in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

Background

The motor imagery brain computer interface (MI-BCI) is now available in a commercial product for clinical rehabilitation. However, MI-BCI is still a relatively new technology for commercial rehabilitation application and there is limited prior work on the frequency effect. The MI-BCI has become a commercial product for clinical neurological rehabilitation, such as rehabilitation for upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke. However, the formulation of clinical rehabilitation programs for MI-BCI is lack of scientific and standardized guidance, especially limited prior work on the frequency effect. Therefore, this study aims at clarifying how frequency effects on MI-BCI training for the plasticity of the central nervous system.

Methods

Sixteen young healthy subjects (aged 22.94 ± 3.86 years) were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a high frequency group (HF group) and low frequency group (LF group). The HF group performed MI-BCI training once per day while the LF group performed once every other day. All subjects performed 10 sessions of MI-BCI training. functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurement, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and brain computer interface (BCI) performance were assessed at baseline, mid-assessment (after completion of five BCI training sessions), and post-assessment (after completion of 10 BCI training sessions).

Results

The results from the two-way ANOVA of beta values indicated that GROUP, TIME, and GROUP × TIME interaction of the right primary sensorimotor cortex had significant main effects [GROUP: F_(1,14) = 7.251, P = 0.010; TIME: F_(2,13) = 3.317, P = 0.046; GROUP × TIME: F_(2,13) = 5.676, P = 0.007]. The degree of activation was affected by training frequency, evaluation time point and interaction. The activation of left primary sensory motor cortex was also affected by group (frequency) (P = 0.003). Moreover, the TIME variable was only significantly different in the HF group, in which the beta value of the mid-assessment was higher than that of both the baseline assessment (P = 0.027) and post-assessment (P = 0.001), respectively. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the results of WMFT between HF group and LF group.

Conclusion

The major results showed that more cortical activation and better BCI performance were found in the HF group relative to the LF group. Moreover, the within-group results also showed more cortical activation after five sessions of BCI training and better BCI performance after 10 sessions in the HF group, but no similar effects were found in the LF group. This pilot study provided an essential reference for the formulation of clinical programs for MI-BCI training in improvement for upper limb dysfunction.