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Braided multi-electrode probes: mechanical compliance characteristics and recordings from spinal cords
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Braided multi-electrode probes: mechanical compliance characteristics and recordings from spinal cords

Taegyo Kim, Almut Branner, Tanuj Gulati and Simon F Giszter
Journal of neural engineering, v 10(4), pp 045001-045001
31 May 2013
PMID: 23723128
url
https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2560/10/4/045001View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

BCI electrodes neural interface neuroprosthetics neurophysiology BMI
Objective. To test a novel braided multi-electrode probe design with compliance exceeding that of a 50 µm microwire, thus reducing micromotion- and macromotion-induced tissue stress. Approach. We use up to 24 ultra-fine wires interwoven into a tubular braid to obtain a highly flexible multi-electrode probe. The tether-portion wires are simply non-braided extensions of the braid structure, allowing the microprobe to follow gross neural tissue movements. Mechanical calculation and direct measurements evaluated bending stiffness and axial compression forces in the probe and tether system. These were compared to 50 µm nichrome microwire standards. Recording tests were performed in decerebrate animals. Main results. Mechanical bending tests on braids comprising 9.6 or 12.7 µm nichrome wires showed that implants (braided portions) had 4 to 21 times better mechanical compliance than a single 50 µm wire and non-braided tethers were 6 to 96 times better. Braided microprobes yielded robust neural recordings from animals' spinal cords throughout cord motions. Significance. Microwire electrode arrays that can record and withstand tissue micro- and macromotion of spinal cord tissues are demonstrated. This technology may provide a stable chronic neural interface into spinal cords of freely moving animals, is extensible to various applications, and may reduce mechanical tissue stress.

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Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Neurosciences
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