A transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) to interface with the peripheral nerve

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Peripheral nerve interfaces are crucial for neuroscientific and clinical applications.
• Existing electrode designs have shown variable success in selective axon activation.
• A need exists for advanced interfaces capable of precise fascicular targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel electrode design, the transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME).
• To evaluate the TIME's ability to selectively activate subsets of axons within peripheral nerve fascicles.
• To characterize the electrochemical properties and in vivo performance of the TIME.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of the TIME using micromachining of polyimide and platinum electrode sites.
• In vitro electrochemical characterization for recording and stimulation.
• Acute implantation in rat sciatic nerves to assess fascicular recruitment.

Main Results:

• The TIME was successfully designed and fabricated.
• In vitro tests confirmed functional electrochemical transfer characteristics.
• Acute in vivo studies demonstrated selective fascicular stimulation with graded recruitment.

Conclusions:

• The TIME represents a novel approach to peripheral nerve interfacing.
• The electrode design shows potential for selective fascicular activation.
• Future research will focus on chronic implantation and long-term performance evaluation.