A multielectrode array for intrafascicular recording and stimulation in sciatic nerve of cats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neural Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve interfaces are crucial for understanding neural function and developing neuroprosthetics.
• Previous electrode arrays faced challenges with nerve damage and signal stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implanting a novel silicon-based microelectrode array into the cat sciatic nerve.
• To evaluate the array's ability to record neural activity and stimulate nerve fibers post-implantation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Utah Electrode Array with 25 or 100 penetrating microelectrodes.
• Employed a high-velocity insertion technique for implantation into the sciatic nerve.
• Recorded compound action potentials using cuff electrodes and extracted single units from neural recordings.

Main Results:

• Implantation resulted in only slight alterations in compound action potentials.
• Successfully recorded single neural units in response to sensory and motor stimuli.
• Demonstrated stable recording and stimulation capabilities for up to 60 hours.
• Evoked muscle twitches with low current injections (10 microA range).

Conclusions:

• High-density microelectrode arrays can be safely inserted into peripheral nerves.
• The Utah Electrode Array provides a stable interface for recording from and stimulating individual peripheral nerve axons.
• This technology holds potential for advancing neuroscience research and neuroprosthetic development.