Implantable, flexible, wireless chip for in vivo recording and stimulation of the brain

This technology is a fully implanted integrated, flexible CMOS chip for long-term surface recording and stimulation of the brain in vivo.

Unmet Need: Minimally invasive in vivo neural recording device

Current in vivo neural recording approaches rely on low-density electrode arrays to record and stimulate neural behavior. However, these electrode arrays generally require running wires through the skull, which is uncomfortable for the patient, displaces brain tissue, triggers inflammation, and increases the risk of scarring and gliosis. There is a need for effective and reliable long-term implantable devices that offer improved neural recording capacity with minimal burden of use.

The Technology: Implantable, flexible, wireless chip for in vivo neural recording

This technology is a complete in vivo neural recording system, consisting of a high-density surface electrode array, amplifiers, data converters, underlying CMOS integrated circuit architecture, and wireless powering and telemetry, all combined in a single chip. The chip’s small form factor allows implantation under the skull without the need for wires or connections, and its pliability allows conformation to the surface of the brain with minimal tissue displacement, expanding the range of potential applications.

This technology has been prototyped and tested in mouse retina.

Applications:

• Diagnostic tool for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases
• Surgical aid for monitoring brain activity
• Research tool for analysis of neural behavior
• Research tool for analysis of neural response to therapy or stimulation
• Development of neural prosthetic devices
• Development of brain-machine interfaces

Advantages:

• Higher density electrode array than modern surface electrode arrays
• Monolithically integrated system
• Small and implantable
• Flexible
• Fully wireless

Lead Inventor:

Kenneth Shepard, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Tsai D, Sawyer D, Bradd A, Yuste R, Shepard KL. “A very large-scale microelectrode array for cellular-resolution electrophysiology” Nat Commun. 2017 Nov; 8(1): 1802.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU17269

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel