In Situ Expandable Ultra-Soft and Stretchable Neural Probe Clusters

Introduction

The central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems perform the fast information processing and transmission throughout the body. Injuries, diseases, and disorders in the CNS and PNS represent a major issue for personal health and society, as they are associated with several common medical conditions such as neuropathic and chronic pain, paralysis, major depressions, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy, to name a few.

Challenges in Treatment

Many of these conditions cannot be treated with medication but must be resolved by directly intervening in the electrical signaling of the nervous system. To access the relevant neural structures within the brain or nerves, penetrating probes are necessary.

One major challenge, which is hampering the use of neural interfaces for precision medical treatments, is the huge mechanical mismatch between neural probes and nerve tissue. This mismatch, in combination with natural bodily motions, causes scar tissue formation around the probes. This issue is especially severe for PNS interfaces due to excessive tissue motions around the probes.

Current Limitations

There is a lack of technologies that allow for chronic high-density interfacing:

1. Within peripheral nerves
2. Of deep regions within the brain

Objectives of the EXPANDNEURO Research Program

The objective of the EXPANDNEURO research program is to address the current limitations by developing:

1. New inert ultra-soft (≤ 50 kPa) stretchable conductors that can be laser processed to ≤3 µm features.
2. A novel ultra-soft high-resolution multi-electrode probe technology.
3. Chronically stable penetrating cortical probes and peripheral nerve interfaces based on the probe technology.
4. In situ expandable ultra-soft neural probe clusters that enable chronic high-resolution interfacing of deep brain volumes.

Impact

The project will have a major impact within the materials and microfabrication communities, and far-reaching future implications for treatments of neurological injuries, diseases, and disorders.