A Microclip Peripheral Nerve Interface (μcPNI) for Bioelectronic Interfacing with Small Nerves.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Bioengineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Peripheral nerves transmit vital signals, making them key targets for neuromodulation and neuroprosthetics.
• Existing peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) face challenges balancing selectivity and invasiveness.
• Small nerves present unique interfacing difficulties due to their size and delicate nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel PNI that overcomes the selectivity-invasiveness tradeoff for small nerves.
• To demonstrate the fabrication, in vivo evaluation, and chronic implantation of the new PNI.
• To highlight the advantages of the new PNI design for precise neural interfacing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a μcPNI integrating a soft, stretchable microelectrode array with a 2-photon 3D printed microclip.
• Evaluation of the μcPNI's electromechanical robustness and performance in zebra finches.
• Chronic implantation and testing of the μcPNI for recording and stimulating neural activity in small nerves.

Main Results:

• The novel μcPNI demonstrated increased spatial resolution and reduced biomechanical mismatch with nerves.
• The device minimized host tissue disturbance, eliminated the need for sutures/adhesives, and provided high circumferential contact.
• The μcPNI maintained functionality under strain and enabled graded neuromodulation in a low-threshold stimulation regime.
• Electromechanical robustness and reliable in vivo recording/stimulation of neural activity in small nerves were confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The developed μcPNI effectively interfaces with small peripheral nerves, breaking the traditional PNI tradeoff.
• This technology offers improved spatial resolution, reduced invasiveness, and enhanced functionality for neural recording and stimulation.
• The μcPNI design holds promise for advancing bioelectronic medicine, neuroprosthetics, and future PNI development.