The bulk of traditional BMIs are only able to determine neural activity at the brains surface. In order to record single-neuron activity from deeper brain regions, intrusive intracranial surgery is typically necessary to implant probes. An alternative to the intrusive surgical implantation of bioprobes into deep-brain regions is the utilization of the brains vascular network. The group developed an ultra-small, flexible, mesh-like electronic recording gadget that can be put onto a versatile microcatheter and implanted into blood vessels of less than 100-micron scale in the inner brain.
To assess the capacity of the MEV probe in vivo, the scientists implanted this injectable probe into the vasculature of rat brains.
Micro-endovascular (MEV) probe selectively implanted into a curved branch for neural recording throughout the capillary wall. The MEV probe (yellow), which is designed to curve into branched (vs. straight) blood vessels, is selectively injected into the branched vessel by saline circulation through the microcatheter (cyan) in which it was preloaded. Credit: Anqi Zhang, Stanford University.
A brand-new research study presents a minimally intrusive, ultra-flexible electronic neural implant, delivered via blood vessels, which tapes single-neuron activity in deep-brain regions, using appealing advancements for brain-machine interfaces and tailored neural therapies.
Introduction to Ultra-Small Neural Implants.
An advanced ultra-small, ultra-flexible electronic neural implant has been developed that can tape-record single-neuron activity deep within rat brains, as detailed in a new research study.
” This technology might enable long-lasting, minimally invasive bioelectronic interfaces with deep-brain regions, composes Brian Timko in an associated Perspective.
Brain-Machine Interfaces and their Limitations.
Brain-machine user interfaces (BMIs) facilitate direct electrical communication in between the brain and external electronic systems. These gadgets allow brain activity to directly manage items like prostheses, or regulate nerve or muscle function, therefore helping people with paralysis or neurological conditions to regain function.
The bulk of conventional BMIs are just able to determine neural activity at the brains surface. In order to tape single-neuron activity from much deeper brain areas, invasive intracranial surgical treatment is frequently needed to implant probes. Such procedures can result in complications consisting of inflammation, damage, and infection to brain tissues.
Micro-Endovascular Probes: A Less Invasive Approach.
An alternative to the invasive surgical implantation of bioprobes into deep-brain regions is the usage of the brains vascular network. In this study, Anqi Zhang and coworkers present ultra-flexible micro-endovascular (MEV) probes that can be properly delivered to deep-brain regions by means of blood vessels. The team designed an ultra-small, flexible, mesh-like electronic recording gadget that can be put onto a flexible microcatheter and implanted into blood vessels of less than 100-micron scale in the inner brain.
Checking and Validation of MEV Probes.
Upon delivery, this device expands like a stent to record neuronal signals across the vascular wall without triggering harm to the brain or its vasculature. To evaluate the capacity of the MEV probe in vivo, the researchers implanted this injectable probe into the vasculature of rat brains.
Ramifications and Future Developments.
Brian Timko mentions that future variations of such devices might provide customized treatments for clients by recording and translating their neural activity and consequently providing the suitable modulatory stimuli.
Referral: “Ultraflexible endovascular probes for brain recording through micrometer-scale vasculature” by Anqi Zhang, Emiri T. Mandeville, Lijun Xu, Creed M. Stary, Eng H. Lo and Charles M. Lieber, 20 July 2023, Science.DOI: 10.1126/ science.adh3916.
By Walter Beckwith, American Association for the Development of Science (AAAS).
July 22, 2023.
