Integrated Optical Neural Probe for Tether-Free Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic devices are cumbersome, costly, and limited in their ability to conduct tests at the point of care due to the size and complexity of light sources and related components, and neural probes require tedious assembly and are not suitable for implantation without tethers for optical stimulation and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Integration of optical sources, such as LEDs, lasers, and quantum dots, directly into neural probes with microelectrodes and readout circuitry, allowing for implantation without tethers and enabling selective optical stimulation and monitoring of neuronal activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical sources are integrated into neural probes, then device size and complexity are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical source, waveguide, and microelectrode array into a single integrated neural probe device. The optical source and waveguide are fabricated directly on the probe substrate, eliminating the need for separate components and manual assembly, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise alignment through integrated fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly with automated semiconductor fabrication processes. Optical sources and waveguides are created using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques rather than manual alignment and bonding, which reduces the need for high-precision manual alignment while enabling mass production.
2Loss of time
If optical sources are integrated into neural probes, then assembly time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly steps into a single integrated fabrication process. Optical sources, waveguides, and electrodes are all fabricated in the same manufacturing run, eliminating time-consuming manual assembly steps while maintaining precision through standardized fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and positioning during the fabrication process itself, rather than during final assembly. Optical waveguides are patterned and etched with precise dimensions and orientations before the actual assembly, ensuring accurate alignment is built into the device structure from the outset.
3Ease of operation
If external optical sources are used with neural probes, then optical stimulation can be achieved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical source directly onto the neural probe substrate, integrating it with the microelectrode array. This eliminates the need for separate external light sources and complex fiber optic coupling systems, making the device self-contained and much easier to operate while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical source enables the neural probe to perform both electrical recording and optical stimulation functions with a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment and simplifies the experimental setup, making the device universally applicable for combined electrophysiology and optogenetics experiments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables miniaturized, cost-effective, and portable medical diagnostic systems for point-of-care use, allowing for precise optical stimulation and monitoring of neuronal activity in freely behaving animals, overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical waveguide connecting the at least one optical source to the one or more microelectrodes
Implementation Method 3
one or more microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of one or more of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.