Power Harvesting in Implanted Neural Probes

描述（由申请人提供）：这是一个跨学科的创新技术研究和示范项目，旨在开发用于植入记录的下一代神经探针。目前的神经探针使用多个硅微机械电极记录电信号。在该领域的一项进展中，在先前NIH的资助下，我们展示了微型神经化学传感器，并开发了专用的VLSI集成电路，以实现微探针组件中多个电极的化学测量。下一个挑战是研究如何收集能量，为植入的传感器和电路供电。为了实现这一目标，我们提出了两项创新技术：1)开发一种可充电的微电池系统，能够为传感器和电路供电；2)开发一种新型VLSI无线能量收集电路，为电池充电。我们的其他目标是3)开发一种集成神经化学传感器、VLSI无线接口、能量收集电路和微电池的探针，以及4)在全脑缺血性损伤模型中评估探针。这项研究有助于我们的长期目标是建立完全植入式的，自主的微探针，没有任何系带，用于长期仪器和系带较少的动物的神经化学记录。一个完全自供电的植入式神经微探针系统将成为神经科学家手中的一个有利工具，这些神经科学家对使用微电极阵列记录大脑功能或大脑疾病动物模型的神经活动感兴趣。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is an interdisciplinary, innovative technology research and demonstration project to develop the next generation of neural probes for implanted recording. Current neural probes record electrical signals with the use of multiple silicon micromachined electrodes. In an advancement in this field, supported by previous NIH funding, we have demonstrated miniature neurochemical sensors and developed the specialized VLSI integrated circuitry needed to enable chemical measurements from multiple electrodes in a microprobe assembly. The next challenge is to research methods to harvest power to energize the implanted sensor and circuitry. Towards this goal, we propose two innovative technologies 1) the development of a rechargeable, microbattery system capable of sustaining power to the sensor and circuitry, 2) development of a novel VLSI wireless power harvesting circuit to energize the battery. Our other aims are to 3) develop an integrated probe with neurochemical sensor, VLSI wireless interface, power harvesting circuit and microbattery, and 4) evaluate the probe in a model of global ischemic brain injury. This research contributes to our long term goal to build fully implantable, autonomous microprobes, without any tethering, for neurochemical recording in chronically instrumented and tether less animals. A fully self-powered implanted neural microprobe system will be an enabling tool in the hands of neuroscientists interested in recording neural activity from animal models of brain function or brain disorders with the use of microelectrode arrays.