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Zhang A, Zwang TJ, Lieber CM. Biochemically-functionalized probes for cell type-specific targeting and recording in the brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560579. [PMID: 37873102 PMCID: PMC10592891 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Selective targeting and modulation of distinct cell types and neuron subtypes is central to understanding complex neural circuitry, and could enable electronic treatments that target specific circuits while minimizing off-target effects. However, current brain-implantable electronics have not yet achieved cell-type specificity. We address this challenge by functionalizing flexible mesh electronic probes, which elicit minimal immune response, with antibodies or peptides to target specific cell markers. Histology studies reveal selective association of targeted neurons, astrocytes and microglia with functionalized probe surfaces without accumulating off-target cells. In vivo chronic electrophysiology further yields recordings consistent with selective targeting of these cell types. Last, probes functionalized to target dopamine 2 receptor expressing neurons show the potential for neuron subtype specific targeting and electrophysiology.
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Wu B, Castagnola E, Cui XT. Zwitterionic Polymer Coated and Aptamer Functionalized Flexible Micro-Electrode Arrays for In Vivo Cocaine Sensing and Electrophysiology. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:323. [PMID: 36838023 PMCID: PMC9967584 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The number of people aged 12 years and older using illicit drugs reached 59.3 million in 2020, among which 5.2 million are cocaine users based on the national data. In order to fully understand cocaine addiction and develop effective therapies, a tool is needed to reliably measure real-time cocaine concentration and neural activity in different regions of the brain with high spatial and temporal resolution. Integrated biochemical sensing devices based upon flexible microelectrode arrays (MEA) have emerged as a powerful tool for such purposes; however, MEAs suffer from undesired biofouling and inflammatory reactions, while those with immobilized biologic sensing elements experience additional failures due to biomolecule degradation. Aptasensors are powerful tools for building highly selective sensors for analytes that have been difficult to detect. In this work, DNA aptamer-based electrochemical cocaine sensors were integrated on flexible MEAs and protected with an antifouling zwitterionic poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSB) coating, in order to prevent sensors from biofouling and degradation by the host tissue. In vitro experiments showed that without the PSB coating, both adsorption of plasma protein albumin and exposure to DNase-1 enzyme have detrimental effects on sensor performance, decreasing signal amplitude and the sensitivity of the sensors. Albumin adsorption caused a 44.4% sensitivity loss, and DNase-1 exposure for 24 hr resulted in a 57.2% sensitivity reduction. The PSB coating successfully protected sensors from albumin fouling and DNase-1 enzyme digestion. In vivo tests showed that the PSB coated MEA aptasensors can detect repeated cocaine infusions in the brain for 3 hrs after implantation without sensitivity degradation. Additionally, the same MEAs can record electrophysiological signals at different tissue depths simultaneously. This novel flexible MEA with integrated cocaine sensors can serve as a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms of cocaine addiction, while the PSB coating technology can be generalized to improve all implantable devices suffering from biofouling and inflammatory host responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingchen Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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3
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Wei C, Wang Y, Pei W, Han X, Lin L, Liu Z, Ming G, Chen R, Wu P, Yang X, Zheng L, Wang Y. Distributed implantation of a flexible microelectrode array for neural recording. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:50. [PMID: 35572780 PMCID: PMC9098495 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-022-00366-2] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Flexible multichannel electrode arrays (fMEAs) with multiple filaments can be flexibly implanted in various patterns. It is necessary to develop a method for implanting the fMEA in different locations and at various depths based on the recording demands. This study proposed a strategy for reducing the microelectrode volume with integrated packaging. An implantation system was developed specifically for semiautomatic distributed implantation. The feasibility and convenience of the fMEA and implantation platform were verified in rodents. The acute and chronic recording results provied the effectiveness of the packaging and implantation methods. These methods could provide a novel strategy for developing fMEAs with more filaments and recording sites to measure functional interactions across multiple brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- School of Microelectronics, University of Sciences and Technology of China, 230000 Hefei, China
| | - Weihua Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Xinyong Han
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China
| | - Longnian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, 200062 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiduo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Gege Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Ruru Chen
- Brain Machine Fusion Intelligence Institute, 215131 Suzhou, China
| | - Pingping Wu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- School of Future Technologies, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100083 Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, 102206 Beijing, China
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4
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Balakrishnan G, Song J, Mou C, Bettinger CJ. Recent Progress in Materials Chemistry to Advance Flexible Bioelectronics in Medicine. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106787. [PMID: 34751987 PMCID: PMC8917047 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Designing bioelectronic devices that seamlessly integrate with the human body is a technological pursuit of great importance. Bioelectronic medical devices that reliably and chronically interface with the body can advance neuroscience, health monitoring, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Recent major efforts focus on investigating strategies to fabricate flexible, stretchable, and soft electronic devices, and advances in materials chemistry have emerged as fundamental to the creation of the next generation of bioelectronics. This review summarizes contemporary advances and forthcoming technical challenges related to three principal components of bioelectronic devices: i) substrates and structural materials, ii) barrier and encapsulation materials, and iii) conductive materials. Through notable illustrations from the literature, integration and device fabrication strategies and associated challenges for each material class are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiwoo Song
- Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chenchen Mou
- Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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McGlynn E, Nabaei V, Ren E, Galeote‐Checa G, Das R, Curia G, Heidari H. The Future of Neuroscience: Flexible and Wireless Implantable Neural Electronics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002693. [PMID: 34026431 PMCID: PMC8132070 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases are a prevalent cause of global mortality and are of growing concern when considering an ageing global population. Traditional treatments are accompanied by serious side effects including repeated treatment sessions, invasive surgeries, or infections. For example, in the case of deep brain stimulation, large, stiff, and battery powered neural probes recruit thousands of neurons with each pulse, and can invoke a vigorous immune response. This paper presents challenges in engineering and neuroscience in developing miniaturized and biointegrated alternatives, in the form of microelectrode probes. Progress in design and topology of neural implants has shifted the goal post toward highly specific recording and stimulation, targeting small groups of neurons and reducing the foreign body response with biomimetic design principles. Implantable device design recommendations, fabrication techniques, and clinical evaluation of the impact flexible, integrated probes will have on the treatment of neurological disorders are provided in this report. The choice of biocompatible material dictates fabrication techniques as novel methods reduce the complexity of manufacture. Wireless power, the final hurdle to truly implantable neural interfaces, is discussed. These aspects are the driving force behind continued research: significant breakthroughs in any one of these areas will revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve McGlynn
- Microelectronics LabJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUnited Kingdom
| | - Vahid Nabaei
- Microelectronics LabJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUnited Kingdom
| | - Elisa Ren
- Laboratory of Experimental Electroencephalography and NeurophysiologyDepartment of BiomedicalMetabolic and Neural SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena41125Italy
| | - Gabriel Galeote‐Checa
- Microelectronics LabJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUnited Kingdom
| | - Rupam Das
- Microelectronics LabJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUnited Kingdom
| | - Giulia Curia
- Laboratory of Experimental Electroencephalography and NeurophysiologyDepartment of BiomedicalMetabolic and Neural SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena41125Italy
| | - Hadi Heidari
- Microelectronics LabJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUnited Kingdom
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6
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Thielen B, Meng E. A comparison of insertion methods for surgical placement of penetrating neural interfaces. J Neural Eng 2021; 18:10.1088/1741-2552/abf6f2. [PMID: 33845469 PMCID: PMC8600966 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abf6f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many implantable electrode arrays exist for the purpose of stimulating or recording electrical activity in brain, spinal, or peripheral nerve tissue, however most of these devices are constructed from materials that are mechanically rigid. A growing body of evidence suggests that the chronic presence of these rigid probes in the neural tissue causes a significant immune response and glial encapsulation of the probes, which in turn leads to gradual increase in distance between the electrodes and surrounding neurons. In recording electrodes, the consequence is the loss of signal quality and, therefore, the inability to collect electrophysiological recordings long term. In stimulation electrodes, higher current injection is required to achieve a comparable response which can lead to tissue and electrode damage. To minimize the impact of the immune response, flexible neural probes constructed with softer materials have been developed. These flexible probes, however, are often not strong enough to be inserted on their own into the tissue, and instead fail via mechanical buckling of the shank under the force of insertion. Several strategies have been developed to allow the insertion of flexible probes while minimizing tissue damage. It is critical to keep these strategies in mind during probe design in order to ensure successful surgical placement. In this review, existing insertion strategies will be presented and evaluated with respect to surgical difficulty, immune response, ability to reach the target tissue, and overall limitations of the technique. Overall, the majority of these insertion techniques have only been evaluated for the insertion of a single probe and do not quantify the accuracy of probe placement. More work needs to be performed to evaluate and optimize insertion methods for accurate placement of devices and for devices with multiple probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Thielen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Ellis Meng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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7
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Márton G, Tóth EZ, Wittner L, Fiáth R, Pinke D, Orbán G, Meszéna D, Pál I, Győri EL, Bereczki Z, Kandrács Á, Hofer KT, Pongrácz A, Ulbert I, Tóth K. The neural tissue around SU-8 implants: A quantitative in vivo biocompatibility study. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 112:110870. [PMID: 32409039 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of SU-8 material in the production of neural sensors has grown recently. Despite its widespread application, a detailed systematic quantitative analysis concerning its biocompatibility in the central nervous system is lacking. In this immunohistochemical study, we quantified the neuronal preservation and the severity of astrogliosis around SU-8 devices implanted in the neocortex of rats, after a 2 months survival. We found that the density of neurons significantly decreased up to a distance of 20 μm from the implant, with an averaged density decrease to 24 ± 28% of the control. At 20 to 40 μm distance from the implant, the majority of the neurons was preserved (74 ± 39% of the control) and starting from 40 μm distance from the implant, the neuron density was control-like. The density of synaptic contacts - examined at the electron microscopic level - decreased in the close vicinity of the implant, but it recovered to the control level as close as 24 μm from the implant track. The intensity of the astroglial staining significantly increased compared to the control region, up to 560 μm and 480 μm distance from the track in the superficial and deep layers of the neocortex, respectively. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the thickness of the glial scar was around 5-10 μm thin, and the ratio of glial processes in the neuropil was not more than 16% up to a distance of 12 μm from the implant. Our data suggest that neuronal survival is affected only in a very small area around the implant. The glial scar surrounding the implant is thin, and the presence of glial elements is low in the neuropil, although the signs of astrogliosis could be observed up to about 500 μm from the track. Subsequently, the biocompatibility of the SU-8 material is high. Due to its low cost fabrication and more flexible nature, SU-8 based devices may offer a promising approach to experimental and clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Márton
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary; Doctoral School on Materials Sciences and Technologies, Óbuda University, Bécsi út 96/b, Budapest 1034, Hungary.
| | - Estilla Zsófia Tóth
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, Budapest 1085, Hungary.
| | - Lucia Wittner
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary; National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Amerikai út 57, Budapest, Hungary, 1145.
| | - Richárd Fiáth
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary.
| | - Domonkos Pinke
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Orbán
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Doctoral School on Materials Sciences and Technologies, Óbuda University, Bécsi út 96/b, Budapest 1034, Hungary.
| | - Domokos Meszéna
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary.
| | - Ildikó Pál
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Edit Lelle Győri
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary; National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Amerikai út 57, Budapest, Hungary, 1145
| | - Zsófia Bereczki
- Department of Control Engineering and Information Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kandrács
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary.
| | - Katharina T Hofer
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary.
| | - Anita Pongrácz
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary; Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest 1121, Hungary.
| | - István Ulbert
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter utca 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary; National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Amerikai út 57, Budapest, Hungary, 1145.
| | - Kinga Tóth
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
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Thompson CH, Riggins TE, Patel PR, Chestek CA, Li W, Purcell E. Toward guiding principles for the design of biologically-integrated electrodes for the central nervous system. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:021001. [PMID: 31986501 PMCID: PMC7523527 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab7030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Innovation in electrode design has produced a myriad of new and creative strategies for interfacing the nervous system with softer, less invasive, more broadly distributed sites with high spatial resolution. However, despite rapid growth in the use of implanted electrode arrays in research and clinical applications, there are no broadly accepted guiding principles for the design of biocompatible chronic recording interfaces in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies suggest that the architecture and flexibility of devices play important roles in determining effective tissue integration: device feature dimensions (varying from 'sub'- to 'supra'-cellular scales, <10 µm to >100 µm), Young's modulus, and bending modulus have all been identified as key features of design. However, critical knowledge gaps remain in the field with respect to the underlying motivation for these designs: (1) a systematic study of the relationship between device design features (materials, architecture, flexibility), biointegration, and signal quality needs to be performed, including controls for interaction effects between design features, (2) benchmarks for success need to be determined (biological integration, recording performance, longevity, stability), and (3) user results, particularly those that champion a specific design or electrode modification, need to be replicated across laboratories. Finally, the ancillary effects of factors such as tethering, site impedance and insertion method need to be considered. Here, we briefly review observations to-date of device design effects on tissue integration and performance, and then highlight the need for comprehensive and systematic testing of these effects moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cort H Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
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Joo HR, Fan JL, Chen S, Pebbles JA, Liang H, Chung JE, Yorita AM, Tooker AC, Tolosa VM, Geaghan-Breiner C, Roumis DK, Liu DF, Haque R, Frank LM. A microfabricated, 3D-sharpened silicon shuttle for insertion of flexible electrode arrays through dura mater into brain. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:066021. [PMID: 31216526 PMCID: PMC7036288 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab2b2e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrode arrays for chronic implantation in the brain are a critical technology in both neuroscience and medicine. Recently, flexible, thin-film polymer electrode arrays have shown promise in facilitating stable, single-unit recordings spanning months in rats. While array flexibility enhances integration with neural tissue, it also requires removal of the dura mater, the tough membrane surrounding the brain, and temporary bracing to penetrate the brain parenchyma. Durotomy increases brain swelling, vascular damage, and surgical time. Insertion using a bracing shuttle results in additional vascular damage and brain compression, which increase with device diameter; while a higher-diameter shuttle will have a higher critical load and more likely penetrate dura, it will damage more brain parenchyma and vasculature. One way to penetrate the intact dura and limit tissue compression without increasing shuttle diameter is to reduce the force required for insertion by sharpening the shuttle tip. APPROACH We describe a novel design and fabrication process to create silicon insertion shuttles that are sharp in three dimensions and can penetrate rat dura, for faster, easier, and less damaging implantation of polymer arrays. Sharpened profiles are obtained by reflowing patterned photoresist, then transferring its sloped profile to silicon with dry etches. MAIN RESULTS We demonstrate that sharpened shuttles can reliably implant polymer probes through dura to yield high quality single unit and local field potential recordings for at least 95 days. On insertion directly through dura, tissue compression is minimal. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first demonstration of a rat dural-penetrating array for chronic recording. This device obviates the need for a durotomy, reducing surgical time and risk of damage to the blood-brain barrier. This is an improvement to state-of-the-art flexible polymer electrode arrays that facilitates their implantation, particularly in multi-site recording experiments. This sharpening process can also be integrated into silicon electrode array fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Joo
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America. Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America
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10
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Bong J, Yasin O, Vaidya VR, Park J, Attia ZI, Padmanabhan D, Cho SJ, Asirvatham R, Schneider N, Lee J, Kim EM, Friedman PA, Ma Z. Injectable Flexible Subcutaneous Electrode Array Technology for Electrocardiogram Monitoring Device. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 6:2652-2658. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Bong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Omar Yasin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Vaibhav R. Vaidya
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Jeongpil Park
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Zachi I. Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Deepak Padmanabhan
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Sang June Cho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Roshini Asirvatham
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Noah Schneider
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Juhwan Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Eun Mee Kim
- Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Korea Nazarene University, Cheonan 31172, South Korea
| | - Paul A. Friedman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Zhenqiang Ma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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Chung JE, Joo HR, Smyth CN, Fan JL, Geaghan-Breiner C, Liang H, Liu DF, Roumis D, Chen S, Lee KY, Pebbles JA, Tooker AC, Tolosa VM, Frank LM. Chronic Implantation of Multiple Flexible Polymer Electrode Arrays. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31633681 DOI: 10.3791/59957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous recordings from large populations of individual neurons across distributed brain regions over months to years will enable new avenues of scientific and clinical development. The use of flexible polymer electrode arrays can support long-lasting recording, but the same mechanical properties that allow for longevity of recording make multiple insertions and integration into a chronic implant a challenge. Here is a methodology by which multiple polymer electrode arrays can be targeted to a relatively spatially unconstrained set of brain areas. The method utilizes thin-film polymer devices, selected for their biocompatibility and capability to achieve long-term and stable electrophysiologic recording interfaces. The resultant implant allows accurate and flexible targeting of anatomically distant regions, physical stability for months, and robustness to electrical noise. The methodology supports up to sixteen serially inserted devices across eight different anatomic targets. As previously demonstrated, the methodology is capable of recording from 1024 channels. Of these, the 512 channels in this demonstration used for single neuron recording yielded 375 single units distributed across six recording sites. Importantly, this method also can record single units for at least 160 days. This implantation strategy, including temporarily bracing each device with a retractable silicon insertion shuttle, involves tethering of devices at their target depths to a skull-adhered plastic base piece that is custom-designed for each set of recording targets, and stabilization/protection of the devices within a silicone-filled, custom-designed plastic case. Also covered is the preparation of devices for implantation, and design principles that should guide adaptation to different combinations of brain areas or array designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Chung
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco;
| | - Hannah R Joo
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Clay N Smyth
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Jiang Lan Fan
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco
| | - Charlotte Geaghan-Breiner
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Hexin Liang
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Daniel Fan Liu
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco
| | - Demetris Roumis
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Supin Chen
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Neuralink Corp
| | - Kye Y Lee
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
| | - Jeanine A Pebbles
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
| | - Angela C Tooker
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
| | - Vanessa M Tolosa
- Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Neuralink Corp
| | - Loren M Frank
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Center for Integrative Neuroscience, and Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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12
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Abstract
Biological systems have evolved biochemical, electrical, mechanical, and genetic networks to perform essential functions across various length and time scales. High-aspect-ratio biological nanowires, such as bacterial pili and neurites, mediate many of the interactions and homeostasis in and between these networks. Synthetic materials designed to mimic the structure of biological nanowires could also incorporate similar functional properties, and exploiting this structure-function relationship has already proved fruitful in designing biointerfaces. Semiconductor nanowires are a particularly promising class of synthetic nanowires for biointerfaces, given (1) their unique optical and electronic properties and (2) their high degree of synthetic control and versatility. These characteristics enable fabrication of a variety of electronic and photonic nanowire devices, allowing for the formation of well-defined, functional bioelectric interfaces at the biomolecular level to the whole-organ level. In this Focus Review, we first discuss the history of bioelectric interfaces with semiconductor nanowires. We next highlight several important, endogenous biological nanowires and use these as a framework to categorize semiconductor nanowire-based biointerfaces. Within this framework we then review the fundamentals of bioelectric interfaces with semiconductor nanowires and comment on both material choice and device design to form biointerfaces spanning multiple length scales. We conclude with a discussion of areas with the potential for greatest impact using semiconductor nanowire-enabled biointerfaces in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhi Tian
- Department of Chemistry, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- The James Franck Institute, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Charles M. Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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13
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Yang X, Zhou T, Zwang TJ, Hong G, Zhao Y, Viveros RD, Fu TM, Gao T, Lieber CM. Bioinspired neuron-like electronics. NATURE MATERIALS 2019; 18:510-517. [PMID: 30804509 PMCID: PMC6474791 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important application of functional biomaterials, neural probes have contributed substantially to studying the brain. Bioinspired and biomimetic strategies have begun to be applied to the development of neural probes, although these and previous generations of probes have had structural and mechanical dissimilarities from their neuron targets that lead to neuronal loss, neuroinflammatory responses and measurement instabilities. Here, we present a bioinspired design for neural probes-neuron-like electronics (NeuE)-where the key building blocks mimic the subcellular structural features and mechanical properties of neurons. Full three-dimensional mapping of implanted NeuE-brain interfaces highlights the structural indistinguishability and intimate interpenetration of NeuE and neurons. Time-dependent histology and electrophysiology studies further reveal a structurally and functionally stable interface with the neuronal and glial networks shortly following implantation, thus opening opportunities for next-generation brain-machine interfaces. Finally, the NeuE subcellular structural features are shown to facilitate migration of endogenous neural progenitor cells, thus holding promise as an electrically active platform for transplantation-free regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Theodore J Zwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert D Viveros
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tian-Ming Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Teng Gao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles M Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Kim C, Jeong J, Kim SJ. Recent Progress on Non-Conventional Microfabricated Probes for the Chronic Recording of Cortical Neural Activity. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E1069. [PMID: 30832357 PMCID: PMC6427797 DOI: 10.3390/s19051069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfabrication technology for cortical interfaces has advanced rapidly over the past few decades for electrophysiological studies and neuroprosthetic devices offering the precise recording and stimulation of neural activity in the cortex. While various cortical microelectrode arrays have been extensively and successfully demonstrated in animal and clinical studies, there remains room for further improvement of the probe structure, materials, and fabrication technology, particularly for high-fidelity recording in chronic implantation. A variety of non-conventional probes featuring unique characteristics in their designs, materials and fabrication methods have been proposed to address the limitations of the conventional standard shank-type ("Utah-" or "Michigan-" type) devices. Such non-conventional probes include multi-sided arrays to avoid shielding and increase recording volumes, mesh- or thread-like arrays for minimized glial scarring and immune response, tube-type or cylindrical probes for three-dimensional (3D) recording and multi-modality, folded arrays for high conformability and 3D recording, self-softening or self-deployable probes for minimized tissue damage and extensions of the recording sites beyond gliosis, nanostructured probes to reduce the immune response, and cone-shaped electrodes for promoting tissue ingrowth and long-term recording stability. Herein, the recent progress with reference to the many different types of non-conventional arrays is reviewed while highlighting the challenges to be addressed and the microfabrication techniques necessary to implement such features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaebin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Joonsoo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
| | - Sung June Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
- Institute on Aging, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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15
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Robinson JT, Pohlmeyer E, Gather MC, Kemere C, Kitching JE, Malliaras GG, Marblestone A, Shepard KL, Stieglitz T, Xie C. Developing Next-generation Brain Sensing Technologies - A Review. IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL 2019; 19:10.1109/jsen.2019.2931159. [PMID: 32116472 PMCID: PMC7047830 DOI: 10.1109/jsen.2019.2931159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Advances in sensing technology raise the possibility of creating neural interfaces that can more effectively restore or repair neural function and reveal fundamental properties of neural information processing. To realize the potential of these bioelectronic devices, it is necessary to understand the capabilities of emerging technologies and identify the best strategies to translate these technologies into products and therapies that will improve the lives of patients with neurological and other disorders. Here we discuss emerging technologies for sensing brain activity, anticipated challenges for translation, and perspectives for how to best transition these technologies from academic research labs to useful products for neuroscience researchers and human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T. Robinson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric Pohlmeyer
- John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Malte C. Gather
- SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9SS Scotland, UK
| | - Caleb Kemere
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - John E. Kitching
- Time and Frequency Division, NIST, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - Adam Marblestone
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Shepard
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Thomas Stieglitz
- Institute of Microsystem Technology, Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chong Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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