Embedded Electrodes

Neural interface technologies such as intraspinal microstimulation or deep brain stimulation are reliant on electrodes implanted at the site of stimulation.   Considering this integral nature of the electrode to neural interfaces, it is surprising that, despite current technologies shortcomings, there has been virtually no advance in embedded electrode technology for over a decade.  We intend to change that.  One of the shortcomings of existing electrode designs is that they are rigid, yet, the tissue is not.   Project SMART is developing new, flexible-based based micro-electrodes.  We have found that our flexible-based electrode design better matches the mechanical properties of the spine and therefore is less likely to move of shift overtime.  In addition to our novel electrode systems we are also developing new research tools that will greatly aid in neural interface research.  The first if these is the surrogate spinal cord.  This surrogate spinal cord is a synthetic spinal cord that matches the physical and mechanical properties of the human spinal cord and will allow for rapid mechno-compatibility screening of new implant technologies.   Another is a 3D neural cell culture.  2D cell cultures only allow cells to migrate in 2D, however, in tissue cell have the ability to migrate in 3d.  Our 3D cultures will allow us to conduct bio-compatability studies that more closely model the real-world.