Intracortical neural interfaces penetrate several millimeters into the cortex and connect external devices to the brain at the neuronal scale. The functionality space is diverse, with implants variously equipped with microelectrodes for detecting or activating neural activity, electrochemical sensors for quantifying local neurochemical concentration, LEDs or optical channels for optical stimulation, as well as various strategies for local drug delivery. Applications range from basic neuroscience investigations to clinical brain-machine interfaces that enable volitional control of computer cursors, robotic arms, and functional electrical stimulation systems for individuals with several motor disability. The longevity and reliability of intracortical interfaces are strongly influenced by the degree to which they seamlessly integrate with cortical tissue. Our objective is to employ a biology-first approach to neural implant development in order to promote implant biocompatibility and bio-integration. Toward this end, we use a bio-inspired, mechanically-softening polymer nanocomposite as the structural material for the neural implant. Implants based on this material are inserted into the cortex as rigid probes that resist buckling, then dramatically soften within minutes of insertion, thus moving toward the mechanical properties of brain tissue. By developing micro- and nano-fabrication strategies that circumvent the thermal and chemical process restrictions on the mechanically-softening material, we have integrated microelectrodes, electrochemical sensors, and a microfluidic-enabled drug delivery platform onto polymer nanocomposite-based implants.

Mechanically-softening intracortical implants for sensing and drug delivery

2019 Fall National Meeting

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