Researchers have developed an innovative ultra-flexible electronic neural implant capable of recording single-neuron activity in deep-brain regions. This breakthrough technology, introduced in a recent study, offers a minimally invasive approach for brain-machine interfaces and personalized neural therapies.
The Need for Ultra-Small Neural Implants
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have been a promising avenue for direct communication between the brain and electronic systems, allowing control of prostheses and modulation of nerve or muscle function. However, traditional BMIs primarily measure surface-level neural activity. To delve into deeper brain regions and record single-neuron activity, invasive intracranial surgery becomes necessary, leading to potential complications and risks.
The Micro-Endovascular Probes: A Non-Invasive Solution
A remarkable alternative to invasive procedures lies in utilizing the brain’s vascular network. Enter the ultra-flexible micro-endovascular (MEV) probes, the focal point of the study conducted by Anqi Zhang and colleagues. These MEV probes are designed as ultra-small, mesh-like electronic recording devices that can be implanted into blood vessels as thin as 100 microns in the inner brain. The delivery process involves accurately placing the MEV probes in deep-brain regions through blood vessels, effectively bypassing the need for invasive surgery.
Testing and Validation
Upon insertion, the MEV probe expands like a stent, enabling the recording of neuronal signals across the vascular wall without causing harm to the brain or its blood vessels. The researchers carried out in vivo tests by implanting the injectable probe into the vasculature of rat brains. The results demonstrated the device’s capability to measure local field potentials and single-neuron activity in both the cortex and olfactory bulb. Moreover, the implanted devices exhibited long-term stability, minimal impact on cerebral blood flow, rat behavior, and only triggered a marginal immune response.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The potential applications of this technology are vast. Future iterations of these MEV probes could lead to personalized therapies, recording and decoding patients’ neural activity, and providing appropriate modulatory stimuli. This advancement marks a significant step forward in the field of brain-machine interfaces and opens up new possibilities for individualized neural treatments.
Reference: “Ultraflexible endovascular probes for brain recording through micrometer-scale vasculature” by Anqi Zhang, Emiri T. Mandeville, Lijun Xu, Creed M. Stary, Eng H. Lo, and Charles M. Lieber, 20 July 2023, Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adh3916
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about neural recording
What does the study present?
The study presents a revolutionary ultra-small, ultra-flexible electronic neural implant that can record single-neuron activity in deep-brain regions. This implant is delivered via blood vessels, offering a minimally invasive approach for brain-machine interfaces and personalized neural therapies.
What are brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and their limitations?
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are devices that facilitate direct electrical communication between the brain and external electronic systems. They enable brain activity to control objects like prostheses or modulate nerve and muscle function, helping individuals with paralysis or neurological disorders regain function. However, traditional BMIs can only measure neural activity at the brain’s surface, requiring invasive intracranial surgery to record single-neuron activity from deeper brain regions. Such procedures may lead to complications like infection, inflammation, and brain tissue damage.
How do micro-endovascular probes offer a less invasive approach?
Micro-endovascular (MEV) probes are ultra-flexible, mesh-like electronic recording devices designed to be implanted into blood vessels as thin as 100 microns in the inner brain. Unlike traditional methods, these MEV probes are delivered through blood vessels, eliminating the need for invasive intracranial surgery. The probes expand like a stent upon insertion and can record neuronal signals across the vascular wall without causing harm to the brain or its blood vessels.
What were the findings from testing the MEV probes?
In the study, researchers implanted the MEV probes into the vasculature of rat brains to evaluate their potential. The results showed that the MEV probes successfully measured local field potentials and single-neuron activity in the cortex and olfactory bulb. Moreover, the implanted devices demonstrated long-term stability, minimal impact on cerebral blood flow, rat behavior, and elicited only a marginal immune response.
What are the implications of this technology?
The development of ultra-flexible endovascular probes has promising implications for brain-machine interfaces and neural therapies. Future iterations of such devices could offer customized therapies for patients by recording and decoding their neural activity, followed by providing the appropriate modulatory stimuli. This advancement marks a significant step forward in brain research and biomedical engineering, opening up new possibilities for personalized neural treatments.
More about neural recording
-
Ultraflexible endovascular probes for brain recording through micrometer-scale vasculature: The original research paper detailing the development and testing of the ultra-flexible micro-endovascular (MEV) probes for recording deep-brain activity through blood vessels.
-
Brain-Machine Interfaces: A Review: A comprehensive review article on brain-machine interfaces, their current limitations, and future prospects for improving neural recording and control technologies.
-
Minimally Invasive Neural Implants for Brain Research: A scientific article discussing the advancement of minimally invasive neural implants for brain research and their potential applications in understanding brain function and treating neurological disorders.
-
Biocompatibility and Stability of Neural Implants: A research paper exploring the biocompatibility and long-term stability of neural implants, crucial factors for the success of brain-machine interfaces and personalized neural therapies.
-
Neurotechnology and Brain Research: An article highlighting the latest developments in neurotechnology and its impact on brain research, including advancements in neural recording and brain-machine interfaces.
-
Advances in Biomedical Engineering: A book chapter covering advances in biomedical engineering, including the development of novel medical devices and technologies for neural recording and brain therapies.
-
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain: A comprehensive online book providing insights into neuroscience and brain mapping, offering a broader understanding of the context and significance of the mentioned research.
