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Liu X, Su Z, Gao Q, Ping Y, Xie H, Yang Y, Wang D. Wireless-controlled cubic neural stimulator for free-moving animals. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221116. [PMID: 36866076 PMCID: PMC9974298 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
An electrical stimulator transmitting information into selected neural circuits is a promising approach for neural prostheses or animal robots. However, traditional stimulators are based on rigid printed circuit board (PCB) technology; technological limitations hindered the development of stimulators, especially for experiments involving free-moving subjects. Here we described a small (1.6 × 1.8 × 1.6 cm), lightweight (4 g, including a 100 mA h lithium battery) and multi-channel (eight unipolar or four bipolar biphasic channels) cubic wireless electrical stimulator exploiting flexible PCB technology. In comparison with the traditional stimulator, an appliance of both flexible PCB and cube structure makes it smaller and lighter, and enhances its stability. Stimulation sequences can be constructed with 100 selectable current levels, 40 selectable frequency levels and 20 selectable pulse-width-ratio levels. Moreover, the distance of wireless communication can reach approximately 150 m. Both in vitro and in vivo results have demonstrated functionality of the stimulator. The feasibility of remote pigeon's navigation using the proposed stimulator was successfully verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China
- School of Control Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jiyuan Vocational and Technical College, Jiyuan 459000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenling Su
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingran Gao
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jiyuan Vocational and Technical College, Jiyuan 459000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanna Ping
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Xie
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian 463000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyun Wang
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, People's Republic of China
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Cai L, Gutruf P. Soft, Wireless and subdermally implantable recording and neuromodulation tools. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 33607646 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abe805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Progress in understanding neuronal interaction and circuit behavior of the central and peripheral nervous system strongly relies on the advancement of tools that record and stimulate with high fidelity and specificity. Currently, devices used in exploratory research predominantly utilize cables or tethers to provide pathways for power supply, data communication, stimulus delivery and recording, which constrains the scope and use of such devices. In particular, the tethered connection, mechanical mismatch to surrounding soft tissues and bones frustrate the interface leading to irritation and limitation of motion of the subject, which in the case of fundamental and preclinical studies, impacts naturalistic behaviors of animals and precludes the use in experiments involving social interaction and ethologically relevant three-dimensional environments, limiting the use of current tools to mostly rodents and exclude species such as birds and fish. This review explores the current state-of-the-art in wireless, subdermally implantable tools that quantitively expand capabilities in analysis and perturbation of the central and peripheral nervous system by removing tethers and externalized features of implantable neuromodulation and recording tools. Specifically, the review explores power harvesting strategies, wireless communication schemes, and soft materials and mechanics that enable the creation of such devices and discuss their capabilities in the context of freely-behaving subjects. Highlights of this class of devices includes wireless battery-free and fully implantable operation with capabilities in cell specific recording, multimodal neural stimulation and electrical, optogenetic and pharmacological neuromodulation capabilities. We conclude with discussion on translation of such technologies which promises routes towards broad dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Cai
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85719, UNITED STATES
| | - Philipp Gutruf
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85719, UNITED STATES
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Rapeaux A, Constandinou TG. An HFAC block-capable and module-extendable 4-channel stimulator for acute neurophysiology. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:046013. [PMID: 32428874 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab947a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper describes the design, testing and use of a novel multichannel block-capable stimulator for acute neurophysiology experiments to study highly selective neural interfacing techniques. This paper demonstrates the stimulator's ability to excite and inhibit nerve activity in the rat sciatic nerve model concurrently using monophasic and biphasic nerve stimulation as well as high-frequency alternating current (HFAC). APPROACH The proposed stimulator uses a Howland Current Pump circuit as the main analogue stimulator element. 4 current output channels with a common return path were implemented on printed circuit board using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components. Programmable operation is carried out by an ARM Cortex-M4 Microcontroller on the Freescale freedom development platform (K64F). MAIN RESULTS This stimulator design achieves ± 10 mA of output current with ± 15 V of compliance and less than 6 µA of resolution using a quad-channel 12-bit external DAC, for four independently driven channels. This allows the stimulator to carry out both excitatory and inhibitory (HFAC block) stimulation. DC Output impedance is above 1 M Ω. Overall cost for materials i.e. PCB boards and electronic components is less than USD 450 or GBP 350 and device size is approximately 9 cm × 6 cm × 5 cm. SIGNIFICANCE Experimental neurophysiology often requires significant investment in bulky equipment for specific stimulation requirements, especially when using HFAC block. Different stimulators have limited means of communicating with each other, making protocols more complicated. This device provides an effective solution for multi-channel stimulation and block of nerves, enabling studies on selective neural interfacing in acute scenarios with an affordable, portable and space-saving design for the laboratory. The stimulator can be further upgraded with additional modules to extend functionality while maintaining straightforward programming and integration of functions with one controller. Additionally, all source files including all code and PCB design files are freely available to the community to use and further develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Rapeaux
- Centre for Bio-Inspired Technology, Imperial College London , London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BT, United Kingdom. Care Research & Technology Centre, UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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Qazi R, Gomez AM, Castro DC, Zou Z, Sim JY, Xiong Y, Abdo J, Kim CY, Anderson A, Lohner F, Byun SH, Chul Lee B, Jang KI, Xiao J, Bruchas MR, Jeong JW. Wireless optofluidic brain probes for chronic neuropharmacology and photostimulation. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:655-669. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Melo-Thomas L, Engelhardt KA, Thomas U, Hoehl D, Thomas S, Wöhr M, Werner B, Bremmer F, Schwarting RKW. A Wireless, Bidirectional Interface for In Vivo Recording and Stimulation of Neural Activity in Freely Behaving Rats. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155767 PMCID: PMC5755324 DOI: 10.3791/56299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo electrophysiology is a powerful technique to investigate the relationship between brain activity and behavior at a millisecond and micrometer scale. However, current methods mostly rely on tethered cable recordings or only use unidirectional systems, allowing either recording or stimulation of neural activity, but not at the same time or same target. Here, a new wireless, bidirectional device for simultaneous multichannel recording and stimulation of neural activity in freely behaving rats is described. The system operates through a single portable head stage that both transmits recorded activity and can be targeted in real-time for brain stimulation using a telemetry-based multichannel software. The head stage is equipped with a preamplifier and a rechargeable battery, allowing stable long-term recordings or stimulation for up to 1 h. Importantly, the head stage is compact, weighs 12 g (including battery) and thus has minimal impact on the animal´s behavioral repertoire, making the method applicable to a broad set of behavioral tasks. Moreover, the method has the major advantage that the effect of brain stimulation on neural activity and behavior can be measured simultaneously, providing a tool to assess the causal relationships between specific brain activation patterns and behavior. This feature makes the method particularly valuable for the field of deep brain stimulation, allowing precise assessment, monitoring, and adjustment of stimulation parameters during long-term behavioral experiments. The applicability of the system has been validated using the inferior colliculus as a model structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Melo-Thomas
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg; Behavioral Neurosciences Institute (INeC);
| | - K-Alexander Engelhardt
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg
| | | | | | | | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg
| | - Bjoern Werner
- Department of Neurophysics, Philipps-Universität Marburg
| | - Frank Bremmer
- Department of Neurophysics, Philipps-Universität Marburg
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg
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Sim JY, Haney MP, Park SI, McCall JG, Jeong JW. Microfluidic neural probes: in vivo tools for advancing neuroscience. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:1406-1435. [PMID: 28349140 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00103g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic neural probes hold immense potential as in vivo tools for dissecting neural circuit function in complex nervous systems. Miniaturization, integration, and automation of drug delivery tools open up new opportunities for minimally invasive implants. These developments provide unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution in fluid delivery as well as multifunctional interrogation of neural activity using combined electrical and optical modalities. Capitalizing on these unique features, microfluidic technology will greatly advance in vivo pharmacology, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and optopharmacology. In this review, we discuss recent advances in microfluidic neural probe systems. In particular, we will highlight the materials and manufacturing processes of microfluidic probes, device configurations, peripheral devices for fluid handling and packaging, and wireless technologies that can be integrated for the control of these microfluidic probe systems. This article summarizes various microfluidic implants and discusses grand challenges and future directions for further developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Yong Sim
- Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Department, Daejeon, 34129, Republic of Korea
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Li Y, Alam M, Guo S, Ting KH, He J. Electronic bypass of spinal lesions: activation of lower motor neurons directly driven by cortical neural signals. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2014; 11:107. [PMID: 24990580 PMCID: PMC4094416 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lower motor neurons in the spinal cord lose supraspinal inputs after complete spinal cord injury, leading to a loss of volitional control below the injury site. Extensive locomotor training with spinal cord stimulation can restore locomotion function after spinal cord injury in humans and animals. However, this locomotion is non-voluntary, meaning that subjects cannot control stimulation via their natural “intent”. A recent study demonstrated an advanced system that triggers a stimulator using forelimb stepping electromyographic patterns to restore quadrupedal walking in rats with spinal cord transection. However, this indirect source of “intent” may mean that other non-stepping forelimb activities may false-trigger the spinal stimulator and thus produce unwanted hindlimb movements. Methods We hypothesized that there are distinguishable neural activities in the primary motor cortex during treadmill walking, even after low-thoracic spinal transection in adult guinea pigs. We developed an electronic spinal bridge, called “Motolink”, which detects these neural patterns and triggers a “spinal” stimulator for hindlimb movement. This hardware can be head-mounted or carried in a backpack. Neural data were processed in real-time and transmitted to a computer for analysis by an embedded processor. Off-line neural spike analysis was conducted to calculate and preset the spike threshold for “Motolink” hardware. Results We identified correlated activities of primary motor cortex neurons during treadmill walking of guinea pigs with spinal cord transection. These neural activities were used to predict the kinematic states of the animals. The appropriate selection of spike threshold value enabled the “Motolink” system to detect the neural “intent” of walking, which triggered electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and induced stepping-like hindlimb movements. Conclusion We present a direct cortical “intent”-driven electronic spinal bridge to restore hindlimb locomotion after complete spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jufang He
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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