Integrated Microelectrode Array with Optical Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for measuring brain waves and optically stimulating neurons are cumbersome due to the separate implantation of light sources and microelectrode arrays, requiring complex alignment and external technology, which complicates the implantation process and limits precise spatial stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A microelectrode array with integrated optical stimulation units, including electrical light sources, which are spatially fixed and predefined relative to the electrodes, allowing for precise optical stimulation and simultaneous electrical measurement of brain waves, using a flexible substrate with conductive structures for efficient light emission and reduced heat input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light sources and microelectrode arrays are implanted separately, then implantation flexibility is maintained, but spatial alignment precision and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial alignment precisionVSAvoidimplantation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines light sources and microelectrode arrays into a single integrated implantable device. The light sources are positioned in direct spatial relationship with the electrodes on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate implantation procedures and external alignment equipment. This integration directly resolves the contradiction by achieving precise spatial alignment through manufacturing precision rather than post-implantation adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external optical fibers are used for light delivery, then light source flexibility is maintained, but tissue damage risk and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source integrationVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light source function from external equipment and embeds it directly into the implantable device. By integrating small-scale light-emitting components (such as LEDs or laser diodes) onto the same substrate as the electrodes, the system eliminates the need for external optical fibers and associated alignment equipment, thereby reducing tissue damage risks from repeated manipulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light sources are nested within the same implantable device structure as the microelectrode array. The compact integration allows light-emitting components to be positioned in direct contact with or near the tissue interface, eliminating the need for external fiber optic delivery systems and reducing the harmful effects of external manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then functional versatility is improved, but implantation time and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidimplantation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components (electrodes, light sources, and associated electronics) into a single integrated implantable device. This consolidation allows all functions to be implanted simultaneously in one surgical procedure, eliminating the need for multiple separate implantation steps and significantly reducing overall implantation time while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated approach simplifies the implantation process, enables precise and structured optical stimulation of brain regions, and allows for combined electrical and optical stimulation, reducing tissue damage risks while improving application friendliness and data acquisition capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the stimulation unit has one or a plurality of electrical light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a microelectrode array comprising a multiplicity of electrodes for electrically measuring brain waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10966624B2Microelectrode array for an electrocorticogram

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUR NEUROBIOLOGIE

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for obtaining brain wave data using a microelectrode array, comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrically measuring brain waves and an integrated optical stimulation unit for stimulating brain regions by means of optical signals, wherein the stimulation unit has one or more electrical light sources, and wherein the method includes stimulating neurons of the brain via optical signals produced by the light sources, recording a response of the neurons to the stimulation via the electrodes, unambiguously assigning the recorded response to individual optical stimulation signals provided by the light source, and determining an unambiguous correlation between the optical stimulation signals and resulting brain waves measured by the electrodes.