Micro-Reaction Chamber Microelectrodes for Neural and Biointerfaces
ID# 2011-3822
Technology Summary
The subject invention consists of neural micro-wire electrodes with micro-reaction chambers (µRC) interfaces which improve sensitivity without impairing selectivity. The µRC electrodes show 3x charge storage capacity than a bare solid-planar (SPI) electrode. Because of its ability to pass significantly higher amount of charge, the invention’s electrode has smaller geometric surface area (GSA) than SPl electrodes, reducing tissue trauma and increasing sensitivity. The combination of high frequency (~1 kHz) action potential recordings and lower frequency content (<300 Hz) local field potential records increases the signal-noise ratio of both action potential and LFP recordings.
Application & Market Utility
The µRC electrodes have utility for both neural recording and micro stimulation under acute and chronic implantation conditions. The invention offers greatly enhanced electrode performance without increasing the electrode size. This minimizes tissue damage and improves the long-term viability of the electrode, which enhance the electrode’s performance for stimulation. Alternatively, by lowering noise and signal degradation, the invention has utility in neural recordings.
Next Steps
An assortment of prototypes have been manufactured and tested in vitro for both stimulation and recording, and in vivo for recording. The Penn State inventors are currently testing the prototypes for recording in chronic implants.