Wireless simultaneous stimulation-and-recording device to train cortical circuits in somatosensory cortex

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Implantable Devices

Background:

• Chronic intercortical microstimulation (ICMS) is used to study neural plasticity.
• Understanding how ICMS affects neural pathways and cortical reorganization is crucial for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and test a novel telemetry-controlled simultaneous stimulation and recording device (SRD).
• To investigate the effects of chronic ICMS on interhemispheric pathways and functional cortical reorganization in rats.

Main Methods:

• Developed a custom embedded device using a Cypress PSoC, remotely controlled via Bluetooth.
• The SRD allows simultaneous recording of neural responses (1-15 ksps) and delivery of controlled electrical stimulation (0-255 μA) with various waveforms.
• Validated the device through bench testing and in vivo experiments in a rat model.

Main Results:

• Successfully designed and implemented a telemetry-controlled SRD for chronic ICMS.
• Demonstrated the device's capability for simultaneous stimulation and recording in vivo.
• Validated the SRD's performance and reliability in a rat animal model.

Conclusions:

• The developed SRD is a viable tool for investigating neural plasticity and functional reorganization induced by chronic ICMS.
• This technology enables precise, remote control of stimulation and recording, advancing research in neurobiology and brain-computer interfaces.