Neural Implant with Dynamic Electrode Position Control
Overview
Neural implant device containing flexible electrodes and proximity sensors on pneumatically inflatable cavities, allowing real-time electrode repositioning without the need for additional surgery.
Research completion
2019
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing agreement
Problem addressed
Conventional surface-mounted neural implant technologies, such as retinal prosthesis or electrocorticography, typically have surface conformity issues. Planar electrode arrays cannot fit the varied surface topography of the retina or brain of individuals. The relative position of electrodes with the designated surface may also have micromotions in long-term usage. In some regions with poor electrode conformity, the signal quality will be significantly degraded, or completely lost.
Innovation
- Microelectrode arrays with conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) stretchable electrode, gold interconnect lines, and flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were fabricated.
- Pneumatic channels and cavities were engineered in the PDMS substrate underneath the microelectrodes. These cavities would expand to different degrees under various levels of pneumatic pressure, and the position of the microelectrode above the specific pneumatic cavity can be controlled dynamically.
- PEDOT:PSS was used as part of the microelectrode to provide a better stretching limit for the electrode and prevent cracks during pneumatic control. Each microelectrode also served as an integrated proximity sensor to measure the distance between the electrode and the designated implant surface.
Key impact
- Low tissue damage
- Post-surgery real-time adjustment
- Dynamic electrode position
- Individual control of specific location
Award
- 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) - Gold Medal
Application
- Retinal prosthesis
- Electrocorticography
- Virtual reality devices
- Neural sensing of limb prosthesis
Patent
- Patent filed: 16/295,211 (USA) IDF 683
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
As one of the fastest growing universities in the world over the past decade, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is recognised as a hub for innovation in research and professional education. CityU identifies solutions to critical global challenges by extending the frontiers of knowledge both within and beyond existing research paradigms.
The University’s highly qualified academics are drawn from all over the world, not only bringing a wealth of research and professional experience to the teaching programmes, but also contributing to the knowledge and technology advancement.
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