Integrated Thin-Film Optrode for Neural Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neural probes lack the precision and capability to accurately map synaptic connections and record neural activity in deep brain structures due to their large size, poor spatial resolution, and inability to deliver high-intensity light for optogenetic stimulation, limiting the understanding of neural circuits and minicolumn properties.

Innovation Solution

Development of multi-tiered neural probes with thin film electrodes and optical fibers that integrate conductive lines and electrodes on a cylindrical substrate, enabling precise optogenetic stimulation and recording with high spatial and temporal resolution, and compatibility with automated manufacturing for high throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If thick optical fibers (400-500 microns) are used to deliver light for optogenetic stimulation, then sufficient light power can be delivered, but the probe size becomes too large causing tissue displacement and damage during penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight power deliveryVSAvoidtissue displacement and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is segmented into multiple functional tiers integrated on a single thin substrate, allowing light delivery, electrical recording, and stimulation functions to be distributed across different levels while maintaining a thin overall profile that minimizes tissue disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges optical fiber light delivery with thin-film electrode arrays into a single integrated probe structure, combining the functions of optical stimulation and electrical recording/monitoring in one device that maintains both thinness and functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If thin probes are used to minimize tissue displacement, then tissue damage is reduced, but the probes lack the rigidity needed for stereotaxic targeting of deep brain structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue displacementVSAvoidrigidity for stereotaxic targeting

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The probe uses a composite structure combining a flexible thin-film substrate with integrated conductive traces and insulating layers, creating a device that is both thin enough to minimize tissue disruption and sufficiently rigid through its multi-layer construction to maintain positioning accuracy during stereotaxic implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If electrodes with small diameters (5 microns or below) are used to map synchronous spike activity, then spatial resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements become extremely difficult to meet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolution for spike mappingVSAvoidelectrode site diameter control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling or cutting methods for electrode fabrication with photolithographic patterning techniques, allowing precise control of electrode diameter and position through optical masking and chemical etching processes that can consistently produce sub-5-micron features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process changes the physical state and properties of materials during fabrication, using photoresist materials that can be precisely patterned at the micrometer scale, followed by controlled etching that transforms the substrate to create electrodes with exact dimensions required for high-resolution neural recording

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If multiple tiers of electrodes are integrated on a single probe to achieve 3-D mapping capability, then spatial mapping precision is improved, but device complexity increases beyond current manufacturing capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3-D mapping precisionVSAvoidmulti-tier electrode integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar two-dimensional electrode arrays to three-dimensional multi-tier configurations by stacking multiple electrode levels vertically on the probe shaft, enabling spatial mapping in three dimensions while using extended photolithographic processes to pattern each tier at its specific height and orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10806358B2Integrated thin-film optrode

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 UNIV HOUSTON SYST

AI summary

An optrode may provide a cylindrical substrate with two or more electrodes deposited on said cylindrical substrate. The cylindrical substrate and electrodes may be coated by an insulating layer with openings or vias over certain portions of the electrodes that may provide a contact for the neural probe or may be utilized to connect lead lines. Manufacturing of an optrode may utilize a jig that secures a cylindrical substrate coated by a conductive material and a resist. A first mask may be positioned in an opening provided by the jig, and the cylindrical substrate may expose ions or neutral particles to define one or more electrode patterns. After regions of the resist and conductive material are removed to form the electrodes, a second mask may be utilized to define via regions in which portions of the electrodes are exposed and uncoated by an insulating layer.