Fascicle-Selective Ultrasound-Powered Bidirectional Wireless Peripheral Nerve Interface IC

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Current peripheral nervous system (PNS) interfaces often require invasive procedures or lack precision.
• Adaptive neuromodulation therapies for conditions like paralysis and amputation need advanced neural interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a minimally invasive, wireless, and battery-free neural interface for the PNS.
• To achieve fascicle-selective neural recording and stimulation without nerve penetration.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a millimeter-scale, fascicle-selective integrated circuit (IC) with extraneural channels.
• Utilization of ultrasonic energy harvesting for wireless power and data transmission.
• Development of a wearable interrogator with machine-learning capabilities for neural pathway classification and temporal interference stimulation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated precise deep fascicle selectivity for neural recording and stimulation.
• Achieved high performance metrics for the neural analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and ultra-low power RF transmitter.
• Successful in vivo validation of selective neural fascicle stimulation and recording in rat sciatic nerves.

Conclusions:

• The developed PNS neural interface offers a promising, non-invasive solution for adaptive neuromodulation.
• This technology can provide alternative treatment options for neurological disorders and sensory deficits.
• The system has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with neurological conditions.