An Integrated Brain-Machine Interface Platform With Thousands of Channels Flashcards
what is Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to develop a high-channel-count brain-machine interface (BMI) system with single-spike resolution. The system aims to overcome current limitations in neuroprosthetics by enabling precise recording of neural activity from large populations of neurons with micron precision, targeting specific brain regions while avoiding vasculature. It serves as both a research platform for rodents and a prototype for future human clinical implants.
what is the technology used
Electrode Threads: Arrays of small and flexible electrode threads, with up to 3072 electrodes per array distributed across 96 threads, fabricated using biocompatible thin film materials.
Neurosurgical Robot: A robotic insertion system capable of inserting six threads (192 electrodes) per minute with micron precision, targeted to avoid vasculature and record from dispersed brain regions.
Electronics: Custom low-power electronics integrated into the implantable device for on-board amplification and digitization of neural signals.
what problems does it address
Inability to record from large numbers of neurons with high fidelity in current brain-machine interfaces.
Limitations of noninvasive approaches in recording neural signals, which are distorted and nonspecific.
Challenges with invasive electrodes on the surface of the cortex, which average the activity of thousands of neurons and cannot record signals deep in the brain.
Immune responses and limited function/longevity associated with rigid metal electrode arrays.
Fixed geometry of rigid arrays constraining access to specific populations of neurons, especially due to the presence of vasculature.
methods/tools
Fabrication of minimally displacive neural probes employing biocompatible thin film materials.
Development of a robotic insertion approach for rapid and reliable insertion of flexible probes targeted to avoid vasculature.
Integration of custom chips into the electrode threads for signal amplification and acquisition.
Use of a wired connection in the research platform to maximize bandwidth for raw data streaming.
Precise targeting of anatomically defined brain structures using landmarks on the skull and depth tracking.
Strengths of the Technology
High-channel-count BMI system with single-spike resolution, enabling precise recording of neural activity.
Utilization of flexible polymer probes with enhanced biocompatibility compared to rigid metal probes.
Ability to choose insertion sites, including subcortical structures, for custom array geometries and targeted recording.
Rapid iteration of designs and testing in rodents for refinement of devices, manufacturing processes, and software.
Wired connection maximizing bandwidth for raw data streaming, crucial for performance assessments and algorithm development.
Limitations of the Technology
Currently developed as a research platform, with potential challenges in translation to human clinical implants.
Need for further validation and optimization of the system’s performance and biocompatibility for human applications.
Potential limitations in long-term functionality and longevity of the implantable devices in vivo.
The wired connection may not be suitable for long-term human use and may require wireless alternatives for practical clinical applications.
