Neural Probe With Interface Neurons for Intracellular Recording
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neural probes rely on extracellular measurement of neural activities, resulting in a low signal-to-noise ratio, necessitating the development of a neural probe capable of intracellular recording to accurately measure nerve signals.
Innovation Solution
A neural probe with intracellular recording interfaces and interface neurons that form synaptic connections in vivo, utilizing protruding electrodes and culture media to promote neuron growth, allowing for precise measurement of intracellular potentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extracellular measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces interface neurons as intermediary components that bridge the neural probe and target neurons. These interface neurons are cultured in the probe's hole structure and form synaptic connections with target neurons, enabling intracellular measurement while maintaining a manageable device architecture. The interface neurons serve as mediators that translate biological neural activity into measurable electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the intracellular recording interface is disposed within a hole of the neural probe main body. The interface neuron is cultured within this hole, and the recording interface is positioned to measure the neuron's intracellular potential. This nested arrangement allows complex intracellular measurement capability to be integrated within a compact probe structure.
2Measurement precision
If intracellular recording interface is added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neural probe into distinct functional segments: the main body, the hole structure for housing the interface neuron, the intracellular recording interface, and the culture medium compartment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while achieving intracellular measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a culture medium within the hole that enables the interface neuron to grow and form synaptic connections autonomously after implantation. The chemical substance in the culture medium promotes neuron growth without requiring external intervention, allowing the probe to self-configure and establish functional connections with target neurons in the brain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interface neuron and culture medium are included, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole structure of the neural probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the interface neuron, contains the culture medium for neuron growth, positions the intracellular recording interface, and provides a physical interface with the brain tissue. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and maintains adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes chemical substances in the culture medium that change the biological state of the interface neuron, promoting growth and synaptic connection formation. By controlling chemical parameters in the culture medium, the probe adapts to different neural environments and maintains flexibility in integrating with various brain regions.
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 accurate measurement of intracellular potentials with high signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating applications in brain-computer interfaces and neurological research by interfacing with neurons intracellularly.
Implementation Method 1
a protruding electrode configured to penetrate a cell membrane of the interface neuron and measure an intracellular potential
Implementation Method 2
a chemical substance disposed in the hole to promote growth of the interface neuron
Implementation Method 3
When the action potential arrives at an axon terminal through an axon, a neurotransmitter is emitted through a synapse. The neurotransmitter operates as an external stimulus to the next neuron
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a neural probe and a method of interfacing the neural probe with neurons in vivo. In one embodiment, the neural probe may include a main body, holes, interface neurons disposed in each hole, and intracellular recording interfaces disposed in each hole, configured to measure the intracellular potentials of the interface neurons. The interface neurons on the neural probe may interconnect with the neurons in the intact brain.