1
|
Lim J, Zoss PA, Powley TL, Lee H, Ward MP. A flexible, thin-film microchannel electrode array device for selective subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve recording. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38264708 PMCID: PMC10803373 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00637-6] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The vagus nerve (VN) plays an important role in regulating physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by communicating via the parasympathetic pathway to the enteric nervous system (ENS). However, the lack of knowledge in the neurophysiology of the VN and GI tract limits the development of advanced treatments for autonomic dysfunctions related to the VN. To better understand the complicated underlying mechanisms of the VN-GI tract neurophysiology, it is necessary to use an advanced device enabled by microfabrication technologies. Among several candidates including intraneural probe array and extraneural cuff electrodes, microchannel electrode array devices can be used to interface with smaller numbers of nerve fibers by securing them in the separate channel structures. Previous microchannel electrode array devices to interface teased nerve structures are relatively bulky with thickness around 200 µm. The thick design can potentially harm the delicate tissue structures, including the nerve itself. In this paper, we present a flexible thin film based microchannel electrode array device (thickness: 11.5 µm) that can interface with one of the subdiaphragmatic nerve branches of the VN in a rat. We demonstrated recording evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) from a transected nerve ending that has multiple nerve fibers. Moreover, our analysis confirmed that the signals are from C-fibers that are critical in regulating autonomic neurophysiology in the GI tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jongcheon Lim
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Center for Implantable Devices, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Peter A. Zoss
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Terry L. Powley
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Hyowon Lee
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Center for Implantable Devices, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Matthew P. Ward
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lang Y, Tang R, Liu Y, Xi P, Liu H, Quan Z, Song D, Lv X, Huang Q, He J. Multisite Simultaneous Neural Recording of Motor Pathway in Free-Moving Rats. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11120503. [PMID: 34940260 PMCID: PMC8699182 DOI: 10.3390/bios11120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Neural interfaces typically focus on one or two sites in the motoneuron system simultaneously due to the limitation of the recording technique, which restricts the scope of observation and discovery of this system. Herein, we built a system with various electrodes capable of recording a large spectrum of electrophysiological signals from the cortex, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles of freely moving animals. The system integrates adjustable microarrays, floating microarrays, and microwires to a commercial connector and cuff electrode on a wireless transmitter. To illustrate the versatility of the system, we investigated its performance for the behavior of rodents during tethered treadmill walking, untethered wheel running, and open field exploration. The results indicate that the system is stable and applicable for multiple behavior conditions and can provide data to support previously inaccessible research of neural injury, rehabilitation, brain-inspired computing, and fundamental neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Lang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Rongyu Tang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Yafei Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Pengcheng Xi
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Xiaodong Lv
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Qiang Huang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Jiping He
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carnicer-Lombarte A, Chen ST, Malliaras GG, Barone DG. Foreign Body Reaction to Implanted Biomaterials and Its Impact in Nerve Neuroprosthetics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:622524. [PMID: 33937212 PMCID: PMC8081831 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.622524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The implantation of any foreign material into the body leads to the development of an inflammatory and fibrotic process-the foreign body reaction (FBR). Upon implantation into a tissue, cells of the immune system become attracted to the foreign material and attempt to degrade it. If this degradation fails, fibroblasts envelop the material and form a physical barrier to isolate it from the rest of the body. Long-term implantation of medical devices faces a great challenge presented by FBR, as the cellular response disrupts the interface between implant and its target tissue. This is particularly true for nerve neuroprosthetic implants-devices implanted into nerves to address conditions such as sensory loss, muscle paralysis, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Nerve neuroprosthetics rely on tight interfacing between nerve tissue and electrodes to detect the tiny electrical signals carried by axons, and/or electrically stimulate small subsets of axons within a nerve. Moreover, as advances in microfabrication drive the field to increasingly miniaturized nerve implants, the need for a stable, intimate implant-tissue interface is likely to quickly become a limiting factor for the development of new neuroprosthetic implant technologies. Here, we provide an overview of the material-cell interactions leading to the development of FBR. We review current nerve neuroprosthetic technologies (cuff, penetrating, and regenerative interfaces) and how long-term function of these is limited by FBR. Finally, we discuss how material properties (such as stiffness and size), pharmacological therapies, or use of biodegradable materials may be exploited to minimize FBR to nerve neuroprosthetic implants and improve their long-term stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shao-Tuan Chen
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Damiano G. Barone
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A review for the peripheral nerve interface designer. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 332:108523. [PMID: 31743684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Informational density and relative accessibility of the peripheral nervous system make it an attractive site for therapeutic intervention. Electrode-based electrophysiological interfaces with peripheral nerves have been under development since the 1960s and, for several applications, have seen widespread clinical implementation. However, many applications require a combination of neural target resolution and stability which has thus far eluded existing peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs). With the goal of aiding PNI designers in development of devices that meet the demands of next-generation applications, this review seeks to collect and present practical considerations and best practices which emerge from the literature, including both lessons learned during early PNI development and recent ideas. Fundamental and practical principles guiding PNI design are reviewed, followed by an updated and critical account of existing PNI designs and strategies. Finally, a brief survey of in vitro and in vivo PNI characterization methods is presented.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kang YN, Chou N, Jang JW, Byun D, Kang H, Moon DJ, Kim J, Kim S. An Intrafascicular Neural Interface With Enhanced Interconnection for Recording of Peripheral Nerve Signals. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2019; 27:1312-1319. [PMID: 31135364 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2019.2917916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
For implantable devices, Parylene C (hereafter referred to as Parylene) has shown promising properties such as flexibility, biocompatibility, biostability, and good barrier properties. Parylene-based flexible interconnection cable (FIC) was previously developed to connect a flexible penetrating microelectrode array (FPMA) with a recording system. However, Parylene-based FIC was difficult to handle and prone to damage during the implantation surgery because of its low mechanical strength. To improve the mechanical properties of the FIC, we suggest a mechanically enhanced flexible interconnection cable (enhanced FIC) obtained using a combination of Parylene and polyimide. To investigate the long-term stability of the enhanced FIC, Parylene-only FIC, and enhanced FIC were tested and their mechanical properties were compared under an accelerated aging condition. During the course of six months of soaking, the maximum strength of the enhanced FIC remained twice as high as that of the Parylene-only FIC throughout the experiment, although the mechanical strength of both FICs decreased over time. To show the capability of the enhanced FIC in the context of nerve signal recording as a part of a neural interfacing device, it was assembled together with the FPMA and custom-made wireless recording electronics. We demonstrated the feasibility of the enhanced FIC in an in vivo application by recording acute nerve signals from canine sciatic nerves.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lancashire HT, Jiang D, Demosthenous A, Donaldson N. An ASIC for Recording and Stimulation in Stacked Microchannel Neural Interfaces. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2019; 13:259-270. [PMID: 30624225 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2019.2891284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents an active microchannel neural interface (MNI) using seven stacked application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The approach provides a solution to the present problem of interconnect density in three-dimensional (3-D) MNIs. The 4 mm2 ASIC is implemented in 0.35 μm high-voltage CMOS technology. Each ASIC is the base for seven microchannels each with three electrodes in a pseudo-tripolar arrangement. Multiplexing allows stimulating or recording from any one of 49 channels, across seven ASICs. Connections to the ASICs are made with a five-line parallel bus. Current controlled biphasic stimulation from 5 to 500 μA has been demonstrated with switching between channels and ASICs. The high-voltage technology gives a compliance of 40 V for stimulation, appropriate for the high impedances within microchannels. High frequency biphasic stimulation, up to 40 kHz is achieved, suitable for reversible high frequency nerve blockades. Recording has been demonstrated with mV level signals; common-mode inputs are differentially distorted and limit the CMRR to 40 dB. The ASIC has been used in vitro in conjunction with an oversize (2 mm diameter) microchannel in phosphate buffered saline, demonstrating attenuation of interference from outside the microchannel and tripolar recording of signals from within the microchannel. By using five-lines for 49 active microchannels the device overcomes limitations when connecting many electrodes in a 3-D miniaturized nerve interface.
Collapse
|
7
|
Park S, Loke G, Fink Y, Anikeeva P. Flexible fiber-based optoelectronics for neural interfaces. Chem Soc Rev 2019; 48:1826-1852. [PMID: 30815657 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00710a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric conditions pose an increasing socioeconomic burden on our aging society. Our ability to understand and treat these conditions relies on the development of reliable tools to study the dynamics of the underlying neural circuits. Despite significant progress in approaches and devices to sense and modulate neural activity, further refinement is required on the spatiotemporal resolution, cell-type selectivity, and long-term stability of neural interfaces. Guided by the principles of neural transduction and by the materials properties of the neural tissue, recent advances in neural interrogation approaches rely on flexible and multifunctional devices. Among these approaches, multimaterial fibers have emerged as integrated tools for sensing and delivering of multiple signals to and from the neural tissue. Fiber-based neural probes are produced by thermal drawing process, which is the manufacturing approach used in optical fiber fabrication. This technology allows straightforward incorporation of multiple functional components into microstructured fibers at the level of their macroscale models, preforms, with a wide range of geometries. Here we will introduce the multimaterial fiber technology, its applications in engineering fields, and its adoption for the design of multifunctional and flexible neural interfaces. We will discuss examples of fiber-based neural probes tailored to the electrophysiological recording, optical neuromodulation, and delivery of drugs and genes into the rodent brain and spinal cord, as well as their emerging use for studies of nerve growth and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongjun Park
- School of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Canales A, Park S, Kilias A, Anikeeva P. Multifunctional Fibers as Tools for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering. Acc Chem Res 2018; 51:829-838. [PMID: 29561583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Multifunctional devices for modulation and probing of neuronal activity during free behavior facilitate studies of functions and pathologies of the nervous system. Probes composed of stiff materials, such as metals and semiconductors, exhibit elastic and chemical mismatch with the neural tissue, which is hypothesized to contribute to sustained tissue damage and gliosis. Dense glial scars have been found to encapsulate implanted devices, corrode their surfaces, and often yield poor recording quality in long-term experiments. Motivated by the hypothesis that reducing the mechanical stiffness of implanted probes may improve their long-term reliability, a variety of probes based on soft materials have been developed. In addition to enabling electrical neural recording, these probes have been engineered to take advantage of genetic tools for optical neuromodulation. With the emergence of optogenetics, it became possible to optically excite or inhibit genetically identifiable cell types via expression of light-sensitive opsins. Optogenetics experiments often demand implantable multifunctional devices to optically stimulate, deliver viral vectors and drugs, and simultaneously record electrophysiological signals from the specified cells within the nervous system. Recent advances in microcontact printing and microfabrication techniques have equipped flexible probes with microscale light-emitting diodes (μLEDs), waveguides, and microfluidic channels. Complementary to these approaches, fiber drawing has emerged as a scalable route to integration of multiple functional features within miniature and flexible neural probes. The thermal drawing process relies on the fabrication of macroscale models containing the materials of interest, which are then drawn into microstructured fibers with predefined cross-sectional geometries. We have recently applied this approach to produce fibers integrating conductive electrodes for extracellular recording of single- and multineuron potentials, low-loss optical waveguides for optogenetic neuromodulation, and microfluidic channels for drug and viral vector delivery. These devices allowed dynamic investigation of the time course of opsin expression across multiple brain regions and enabled pairing of optical stimulation with local pharmacological intervention in behaving animals. Neural probes designed to interface with the spinal cord, a viscoelastic tissue undergoing repeated strain during normal movement, rely on the integration of soft and flexible materials to avoid injury and device failure. Employing soft substrates, such as parylene C and poly-(dimethylsiloxane), for electrode and μLED arrays permitted stimulation and recording of neural activity on the surface of the spinal cord. Similarly, thermally drawn flexible and stretchable optoelectronic fibers that resemble the fibrous structure of the spinal cord were implanted without any significant inflammatory reaction in the vicinity of the probes. These fibers enabled simultaneous recording and optogenetic stimulation of neural activity in the spinal cord. In this Account, we review the applications of multifunctional fibers and other integrated devices for optoelectronic probing of neural circuits and discuss engineering directions that may facilitate future studies of nerve repair and accelerate the development of bioelectronic medical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Canales
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Seongjun Park
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Antje Kilias
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Biomicrotechnology, Institute for Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Polina Anikeeva
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee B, Koripalli MK, Jia Y, Acosta J, Sendi MSE, Choi Y, Ghovanloo M. An Implantable Peripheral Nerve Recording and Stimulation System for Experiments on Freely Moving Animal Subjects. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6115. [PMID: 29666407 PMCID: PMC5904113 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A new study with rat sciatic nerve model for peripheral nerve interfacing is presented using a fully-implanted inductively-powered recording and stimulation system in a wirelessly-powered standard homecage that allows animal subjects move freely within the homecage. The Wireless Implantable Neural Recording and Stimulation (WINeRS) system offers 32-channel peripheral nerve recording and 4-channel current-controlled stimulation capabilities in a 3 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm3 package. A bi-directional data link is established by on-off keying pulse-position modulation (OOK-PPM) in near field for narrow-band downlink and 433 MHz OOK for wideband uplink. An external wideband receiver is designed by adopting a commercial software defined radio (SDR) for a robust wideband data acquisition on a PC. The WINeRS-8 prototypes in two forms of battery-powered headstage and wirelessly-powered implant are validated in vivo, and compared with a commercial system. In the animal study, evoked compound action potentials were recorded to verify the stimulation and recording capabilities of the WINeRS-8 system with 32-ch penetrating and 4-ch cuff electrodes on the sciatic nerve of awake freely-behaving rats. Compared to the conventional battery-powered system, WINeRS can be used in closed-loop recording and stimulation experiments over extended periods without adding the burden of carrying batteries on the animal subject or interrupting the experiment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byunghun Lee
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, 30308, USA.,Incheon National University, Department of Electrical Engineering, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Mukhesh K Koripalli
- University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Department of Electrical Engineering, Edinburg, 78539, USA
| | - Yaoyao Jia
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, 30308, USA
| | - Joshua Acosta
- University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Department of Electrical Engineering, Edinburg, 78539, USA
| | - M S E Sendi
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, 30308, USA
| | - Yoonsu Choi
- University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Department of Electrical Engineering, Edinburg, 78539, USA
| | - Maysam Ghovanloo
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Atlanta, 30308, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Spearman BS, Desai VH, Mobini S, McDermott MD, Graham JB, Otto KJ, Judy JW, Schmidt CE. Tissue-Engineered Peripheral Nerve Interfaces. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1701713. [PMID: 37829558 PMCID: PMC10569514 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201701713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on neural interfaces has historically concentrated on development of systems for the brain; however, there is increasing interest in peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) that could provide benefit when peripheral nerve function is compromised, such as for amputees. Efforts focus on designing scalable and high-performance sensory and motor peripheral nervous system interfaces. Current PNIs face several design challenges such as undersampling of signals from the thousands of axons, nerve-fiber selectivity, and device-tissue integration. To improve PNIs, several researchers have turned to tissue engineering. Peripheral nerve tissue engineering has focused on designing regeneration scaffolds that mimic normal nerve extracellular matrix composition, provide advanced microarchitecture to stimulate cell migration, and have mechanical properties like the native nerve. By combining PNIs with tissue engineering, the goal is to promote natural axon regeneration into the devices to facilitate close contact with electrodes; in contrast, traditional PNIs rely on insertion or placement of electrodes into or around existing nerves, or do not utilize materials to actively facilitate axon regeneration. This review presents the state-of-the-art of PNIs and nerve tissue engineering, highlights recent approaches to combine neural-interface technology and tissue engineering, and addresses the remaining challenges with foreign-body response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Spearman
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Vidhi H Desai
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Florida, 216 Larsen Hall, 116200, Gainesville, FL 32611-6200
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Matthew D McDermott
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
| | - James B Graham
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
| | - Kevin J Otto
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Florida, 1149 Newell Dr., Room L1-100, 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244
- Department of Neurology, The University of Florida, 2000 SW Archer Rd., Third Floor, 100383, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Jack W Judy
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Florida, 216 Larsen Hall, 116200, Gainesville, FL 32611-6200
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
| | - Christine E Schmidt
- Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., BMS Building JG-56, 116131, Gainesville, FL 32611-6131
- Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology, The University of Florida, 1041 Center Drive, 116621, Gainesville, FL 32611-6621
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ursu D, Nedic A, Urbanchek M, Cederna P, Gillespie RB. Adjacent regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces produce phase-antagonist signals during voluntary walking in rats. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2017; 14:33. [PMID: 28438166 PMCID: PMC5404291 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-017-0243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) are neurotized muscle grafts intended to produce electromyographic signals suitable for motorized prosthesis control. Two RPNIs producing independent agonist/antagonist signals are required for each control axis; however, it is unknown whether signals from adjacent RPNIs are independent. The purpose of this work was to determine signaling characteristics from two adjacent RPNIs, the first neurotized by a foot dorsi-flexor nerve and the second neurotized by a foot plantar-flexor nerve in a rodent model. Methods Two Control group rats had electrodes implanted onto the soleus (tibial nerve) and extensor digitorum longus (peroneal nerve) muscles in the left hind limb. Two Dual-RPNI group rats had two separate muscles grafted to the left thigh and each implanted with electrodes: the extensor digitorum longus was neurotized with a transected fascicle from the tibial nerve, and the tibialis anterior was implanted with a transected peroneal nerve. Four months post-surgery, rats walked on a treadmill, were videographed, and electromyographic signals were recorded. Amplitude and periodicity of all signals relative to gait period were quantified. To facilitate comparisons across groups, electromyographic signals were expressed as a percent of total stepping cycle activity for each stance and swing gait phase. Independence between peroneal and tibial nerve activations were assessed by statistical comparisons between groups during stance and swing. Results Electromyographic activity for Control and Dual-RPNI rats displayed alternating activation patterns coinciding with stance and swing. Significant signal amplitude differences between the peroneal and tibial nerves were found in both the Control and Dual-RPNI groups. Non-inferiority tests performed on Dual-RPNI group signal confidence intervals showed that activation was equivalent to the Control group in all but the peroneal RPNI construct during stance. The similar electromyographic activity obtained for Control and RPNI suggests the latter constructs activate independently during both stance and swing, and contain minimal crosstalk. Conclusions In-vivo myoelectric RPNI activity encodes neural activation patterns associated with gait. Adjacent RPNIs neurotized with agonist/antagonist nerves display activity amplitudes similar to Control during voluntary walking. The distinct and expected activation patterns indicate the RPNI may provide independent signaling in humans, suitable for motorized prosthesis control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ursu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Andrej Nedic
- Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery Section, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melanie Urbanchek
- Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery Section, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul Cederna
- Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery Section, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R Brent Gillespie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adewole DO, Serruya MD, Harris JP, Burrell JC, Petrov D, Chen HI, Wolf JA, Cullen DK. The Evolution of Neuroprosthetic Interfaces. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2016; 44:123-52. [PMID: 27652455 PMCID: PMC5541680 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2016017198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The ideal neuroprosthetic interface permits high-quality neural recording and stimulation of the nervous system while reliably providing clinical benefits over chronic periods. Although current technologies have made notable strides in this direction, significant improvements must be made to better achieve these design goals and satisfy clinical needs. This article provides an overview of the state of neuroprosthetic interfaces, starting with the design and placement of these interfaces before exploring the stimulation and recording platforms yielded from contemporary research. Finally, we outline emerging research trends in an effort to explore the potential next generation of neuroprosthetic interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayo O. Adewole
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mijail D. Serruya
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James P. Harris
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justin C. Burrell
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dmitriy Petrov
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H. Isaac Chen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A. Wolf
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D. Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Srinivasan A, Tipton J, Tahilramani M, Kharbouch A, Gaupp E, Song C, Venkataraman P, Falcone J, Lacour SP, Stanley GB, English AW, Bellamkonda RV. A regenerative microchannel device for recording multiple single-unit action potentials in awake, ambulatory animals. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:474-85. [PMID: 26370722 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in robotics, commercially advanced prosthetics provide only a small fraction of the functionality of the amputated limb that they are meant to replace. Peripheral nerve interfacing could provide a rich controlling link between the body and these advanced prosthetics in order to increase their overall utility. Here, we report on the development of a fully integrated regenerative microchannel interface with 30 microelectrodes and signal extraction capabilities enabling evaluation in an awake and ambulatory rat animal model. In vitro functional testing validated the capability of the microelectrodes to record neural signals similar in size and nature to those that occur in vivo. In vitro dorsal root ganglia cultures revealed striking cytocompatibility of the microchannel interface. Finally, in vivo, the microchannel interface was successfully used to record a multitude of single-unit action potentials through 63% of the integrated microelectrodes at the early time point of 3 weeks. This marks a significant advance in microchannel interfacing, demonstrating the capability of microchannels to be used for peripheral nerve interfacing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Srinivasan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - John Tipton
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mayank Tahilramani
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Adel Kharbouch
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Eric Gaupp
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Chao Song
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Poornima Venkataraman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jessica Falcone
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Stéphanie P Lacour
- Centre for Neuroprosthetics, School of Engineering, Institute of Microengineering and Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chronic multichannel neural recordings from soft regenerative microchannel electrodes during gait. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14363. [PMID: 26400791 PMCID: PMC4585830 DOI: 10.1038/srep14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliably interfacing a nerve with an electrode array is one of the approaches to restore motor and sensory functions after an injury to the peripheral nerve. Accomplishing this with current technologies is challenging as the electrode-neuron interface often degrades over time, and surrounding myoelectric signals contaminate the neuro-signals in awake, moving animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of microchannel electrode implants to monitor over time and in freely moving animals, neural activity from regenerating nerves. We designed and fabricated implants with silicone rubber and elastic thin-film metallization. Each implant carries an eight-by-twelve matrix of parallel microchannels (of 120 × 110 μm2 cross-section and 4 mm length) and gold thin-film electrodes embedded in the floor of ten of the microchannels. After sterilization, the soft, multi-lumen electrode implant is sutured between the stumps of the sciatic nerve. Over a period of three months and in four rats, the microchannel electrodes recorded spike activity from the regenerating sciatic nerve. Histology indicates mini-nerves formed of axons and supporting cells regenerate robustly in the implants. Analysis of the recorded spikes and gait kinematics over the ten-week period suggests firing patterns collected with the microchannel electrode implant can be associated with different phases of gait.
Collapse
|