Multimodal Probe Array for Neural Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate for simultaneously monitoring electrical and chemical activities at the level of neuronal ensembles, as they fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between neuronal ensemble activity and cortical neurotransmitter release and clearance, limiting the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and brain-computer interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A probe array with individually addressable carbon nanotube templates, functionalized for both electrical and chemical sensing, allowing for the simultaneous measurement and stimulation of neural tissues, which includes a kit for medical device interfacing and surgical insertion, enabling direct deposition on high-density electronic interfaces and tailoring of mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional approaches are used for recording electrical transmission or stimulation data, then electrical data can be obtained, but chemical sensing and delivery data are omitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (electrical, chemical, optical) and delivery capabilities into a single integrated probe array structure. Different probes within the array are functionalized with different materials to enable simultaneous electrical recording, chemical sensing, and drug delivery at the same neural site, eliminating the need for separate conventional approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe array is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions simultaneously - electrical stimulation, electrical recording, chemical sensing, and chemical delivery - all through a single device structure. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive neural monitoring and intervention without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Loss of information
If conventional approaches are used for chemical sensing, then chemical data can be obtained, but corresponding electrical data cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The probe array merges chemical sensing probes with electrical recording probes into a single integrated structure. This allows simultaneous acquisition of both chemical neurotransmitter data and corresponding electrical neural activity data from the same site, providing correlated multi-modal information that neither approach could provide alone.
3Measurement precision
If simultaneous acquisition of multi-modal data is attempted at the site corresponding in size to a neuron or groups of neurons, then comprehensive neural monitoring is achieved, but it is not feasible with conventional approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The probe array is segmented into multiple individual probes, each functionalized for a specific modality (electrical, chemical, optical). This segmentation allows each probe to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall structure that can be positioned at neural sites with dimensions comparable to neuron groups, achieving high spatial resolution for multi-modal sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the probe array are赋予 different functional properties - some probes are functionalized for electrical recording, others for chemical sensing, others for optical detection. This local differentiation of quality allows each probe to excel at its specific measurement type while the collective array achieves comprehensive multi-modal monitoring at high spatial resolution.
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
Enables real-time optimization of probe placement and stimulation parameters, reduces implant artifacts in MRI images, and provides a comprehensive view of neural activity, facilitating the study of neural ensemble dynamics and the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Implementation Method 1
A porous carbon nanotube template is grown on each catalyst pad using a chemical vapor deposition
Implementation Method 2
Some or all of the probes have magnetic susceptibility matched to biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present approach relates to the fabrication and use of a probe array having multiple individual probes. In one embodiment, the probes of the probe array may be functionalized such that certain of the probes are suitable for electrical sensing (e.g., recording) or stimulation, non-electrical sensing or stimulation (e.g., chemical sensing and/or release of biomolecules when activated), or a combination of electrical and non-electrical sensing or stimulation.