Development of a Thin-Film MicroECOG Electrode for Chronic Cortical Recordings

描述（由申请人提供）：我们的主要研究兴趣是在运动神经修复领域。我们寻求恢复那些患有神经肌肉疾病和/或瘫痪的人的功能。本研究将设计并测试一种新型的可植入硬膜外微皮质电图（uECoG）阵列，该阵列能够长时间（数年）记录大脑的高伽马波段活动。我们在非人类灵长类虚拟现实模拟器中开发了一种新的行为范式来测试和优化uECoG设计。这个神经假肢研究项目将开发知识、工具和设备，使瘫痪的人能够控制电脑光标、轮椅或机器人肢体。该项目的具体目标是：1)开发和台架测试5ECoG电极阵列和植入式装置平台；2)利用硬膜外5ECoG电极确定非人类灵长类动物大脑运动皮质区域伽玛带活动的开环和闭环慢性记录的最佳电极直径和电极间距；3)确定最佳硬膜外5ECoG信号参数（即中心频率和带宽）和运动皮质区域（M1, Pmv, Pmd）用于闭环BCI控制计算机光标。公共卫生相关性：该项目将设计并测试一种新型的、可植入的、薄膜的硬膜外微皮质电图电极阵列，它将允许对大脑活动进行长期的慢性记录。这种新的电极设计将被优化用于脑机接口系统，该系统将允许瘫痪患者通过直接大脑控制精确地控制电脑鼠标。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our primary research interest is in the area of motor neuroprosthetics. We seek to restore function to those suffering from neuromuscular disease and/or paralysis. This study will design and test a novel implantable, epidural micro-electrocorticographic (uECoG) array capable of recording high gamma band activity from the brain for long periods of time (years). We have developed a novel behavioral paradigm in a non-human primate virtual reality simulator to test and optimize the uECoG design. This neuroprosthetic research project will develop the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to enable paralyzed individuals to control a computer cursor, wheelchair or robotic limb. The specific aims of this project are to 1) Develop and bench-test 5ECoG electrode array and implantable device platform; 2) Determine the optimal electrode diameters and inter-electrode spacings for both open-loop and closed-loop chronic recordings of gamma band activity over motor cortical regions in the non-human primate brain using an epidural 5ECoG electrode; and 3) Determine the optimal epidural 5ECoG signal parameters (i.e. center frequency and bandwidth) and motor cortical region (M1, Pmv, Pmd) for closed-loop BCI control of a computer cursor. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project will design and test a novel, implantable, thin-film, epidural micro-electrocorticographic electrode array that will allow long-term chronic recording of brain activity. This new electrode design will be optimized for use in a brain-computer interface system that will allow paralyzed individuals to accurately control a computer mouse via direct brain control.