3D Printed Configurable and Themoresponsive Intracortical Electrode Array Platform

项目概要： 使用植入式设备进行长期神经记录提供了重要的发现，这些发现塑造了我们对大脑神经回路如何工作的理解，最近，已被实验性地用于治疗瘫痪等疾病，为许多患有这种残疾的人提供了希望。这种有前途的技术在长期可靠地实施方面具有挑战性，限制了其作为慢性基础科学工具的使用，并威胁到其广泛的临床实用性。下一代植入式设备将需要可配置的设计和类似组织的材料特性。我们的项目专注于通过将双光子3D打印技术与热响应和生物稳定的电极材料（镓基液态金属）集成，从根本上改变可用的皮质内电极平台，以设计可扩展，可配置和长期可靠的皮质内电极阵列。这些结果将提供知识，使改进的下一代电极阵列的更快发展，比目前存在的更好。更广泛的影响应告知一般的改进生物医学器械设计和预期用于长期接触中枢神经系统组织的生物医学器械设计。

PROJECT SUMMARY: Long-term neural recording using implantable devices has provided important discoveries that have shaped our understanding of how the neural circuitry of the brain works and, more recently, has been used experimentally to treat such disorders as paralysis that provide hope for many suffering from this disability. This promising technology has been challenging to implement reliably over long periods, limiting its use as a chronic basic science tool and threatening its widespread clinical utility. The next-generation implantable devices will need a configurable design and tissue-like material properties. Our project is focused on fundamentally changing the intracortical electrode platform available by integrating two-photon 3D printing technology with thermoresponsive and biostable electrode materials (Gallium-based liquid metal) to design scalable, configurable, and chronically reliable intracortical electrode arrays. The results will provide knowledge that will allow more rapid development of improved and next-generation electrode arrays that work better than what currently exists. The broader impact should inform improved biomedical device design in general and those intended for chronic use in contact with central nervous system tissues.