3D neuro-electronic interface devices for neuromuscular control: Design studies and realisation steps

Abstract

In order to design the shape and dimensions of new 3D multi-microelectrode information transducers properly, i.e. adapted to the scale of information delivery to and from peripheral nerve fibres, a number of studies were, and still are, being performed on modelling and simulation of electrical volume conduction inside and outside nerves, on animal experiments on stimulation and recording with single wires and linear arrays, and on new technologies for 3D micro-fabrication. This paper presents a selection of the results of these "Neurotechnology' studies at the University of Twente. The experimental and simulation results apply primarily to the peripheral motor nerves of the rat, but are also of interest for neural interfacing with myelinated nerves in man, as fascicles in man are about the same size as in the rat.

Extracellular potentials from active myelinated fibers inside insulated and noninsulated peripheral nerve

“…6, [4]). Calculations on the discriminating ability of electrodes when multiple nearby fibers are active have been presented elsewhere [19].…”

“…It has been shown that in case of electrical stimulation the highest degree of selectivity can be achieved with dense three-dimensional "lattices" of electrodes, placed inside the fascicles [9]- [11], [18], [19]. These intraneural stimulation electrodes, however, can also be used to monitor nerve signals, for example, to be used in future closed-loop control systems for rehabilitation.…”

Modification of glassy carbon surfaces with synthetic laminin-derived peptides for nerve cell attachment and neurite growth

“…Examples of such recording electrodes include sieve-shaped electrode arrays 5,6 and arrays of needle-type electrodes. 7,8 It is highly desirable to achieve a durable attachment of the neuron to the electrode for long-term measurements. Consequently, coating of the surfaces with materials that mimic the function of the extracellular matrix may be a promising strategy for manufacturing suitable electrodes that combine both the growth-supporting properties of biological surfaces and the maintenance-ofconduction properties essential for recordings.…”

Flexible and stretchable micro-electrodes for in vitro and in vivo neural interfaces

“…They are fabricated with silicon or titanium. They may comprise a single needle bearing multiple contacts on its shaft [20,39] or a 10 9 10 matrix of single contact electrodes [19,36]. Successful penetrating electrodes are already available to humans, e.g., cochlear implants [40] and deep brain stimulator [10,17].…”