Multi-Site Neural Probe Segmentation for Recording Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing probes for detecting and recording neural activity have limited recording densities and modulation capabilities, allowing for only low information or stimulation, and are prone to inflammation in chronic implantations.
Innovation Solution
A sensing probe with multiple, spatially separate sensing sites configured in geometric arrangements, such as tetrode, triode, and stereotrode configurations, utilizing microwires with combined sensing sites to increase the yield of isolated neurons and reduce neural trauma, and can be sterilized for in vivo use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single sensing site per wire is used, then the device complexity is low, but the recording density and information yield are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is segmented into multiple spatially separate sensing sites along its length, allowing each segment to independently sense neural activity from different locations. This segmentation enables simultaneous recording from multiple neurons with a single wire, dramatically increasing recording density without requiring multiple separate wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing sites are arranged in specific three-dimensional geometric configurations (such as tetrahedral arrangements) along the wire. By utilizing the spatial dimension along the wire's length and in three-dimensional space, the system achieves high recording density while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized geometric patterns.
2Productivity
If multiple sensing sites are placed on a single wire, then the yield of isolated neurons increases, but the difficulty of signal unmixing from spatially separate sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing sites are pre-configured in known, fixed geometric arrangements with predetermined spatial relationships. This preliminary spatial configuration allows the system to anticipate signal mixing patterns and apply appropriate unmixing algorithms, reducing the difficulty of separating neural signals from multiple sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the recorded signals themselves to iteratively identify and separate neural activity from different sensing sites. By analyzing the temporal and spatial patterns of signals across multiple sensing sites, the system can distinguish and isolate individual neuron activity even when signals are mixed.
3Productivity
If conventional single-site wires are used in tetrode arrangements, then the device structure is simple, but the number of neurons sensed per wire is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A single wire with multiple sensing sites performs the function of multiple separate wires, each with single sensing sites. This multi-functional wire can sense neural activity from multiple locations simultaneously, replacing traditional multi-wire tetrode arrangements and increasing the number of neurons sensed per wire while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing sites are merged onto a single wire structure, combining the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate wires. This merging approach increases neuronal sampling efficiency while reducing the number of separate conductors needed in the implant.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If wires are implanted chronically in the nervous system, then long-term monitoring is achieved, but inflammation problems occur at the implantation sites
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is divided into multiple segmented sensing sites along its length, distributing the neural interface interaction across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at a single site. This segmentation reduces the inflammatory response at any individual location while maintaining chronic monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wire with multiple sensing sites can have locally optimized properties, such as varying surface characteristics or coating materials at different sensing sites. This allows tailoring of biocompatibility and inflammatory response characteristics at specific locations along the wire to minimize chronic inflammation.
Data Source
AI summary
A single sensing probe comprising multiple, spatially separate, sensing sites is utilized to sense neural activity. The sensing probe includes multiple conductors each with multiple sensing sites in a fixed geometric arrangement. The sensing probe is configured to comprise multiple combined sensing sites in polytrode configuration. By appropriately combining the wire groupings at each combined sensing site, activity sensed from a single wire with multiple sensing sites, can be coupled with other wires to unmix signals from the spatially separate sites and leverage the power of combinatorics to maximize total recording bandwidth and single neuron/unit yield per wire and per probe.