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Flexible-circuit-based 3-D aware modular optical brain imaging system for high-density measurements in natural
Edward Xu1, Morris Vanegas1, Miguel Mireles1
1Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, USA, 02115.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|March 18, 2024
Summary
The new MOBI system enhances functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain imaging for real-world use. Its flexible design and 3D tracking improve brain activity measurement in natural environments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Imaging
Background:
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a promising avenue for studying brain activity in naturalistic settings.
- However, achieving reliable fNIRS measurements in dynamic, everyday environments presents significant technical challenges.
- Existing systems often struggle with maintaining consistent optode-to-scalp contact and accurately tracking probe positioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the modular optical brain imaging (MOBI) system, engineered to overcome limitations in current fNIRS technology.
- The MOBI system aims to improve optode-to-scalp coupling and enable real-time 3D probe shape estimation.
- This facilitates more robust brain activity monitoring during everyday activities.
Main Methods:
- The MOBI system employs a flexible, modular circuit-board design for enhanced probe conformity and user comfort.
- Integrated orientation sensors and automatic module recognition facilitate real-time 3D optode position estimation.
- The system's optical performance was characterized, and its 3D positioning accuracy was validated using phantom and in vivo tests.
Main Results:
- The MOBI detector demonstrated a noise equivalence power (NEP) of 8.9 and 7.3 µW at 735 nm and 850 nm, respectively, with an 88 dB dynamic range.
- Phantom testing showed an average 3D optode positioning error of 4.2 mm across 25 optodes.
- Initial in vivo validations, including cuff occlusion and finger-tapping tasks, demonstrated the system's feasibility.
Conclusions:
- The MOBI system represents the first modular fNIRS system with fully flexible circuit boards.
- Its self-organizing sensor network, automatic 3D positioning, lightweight modules, and ergonomic design significantly advance brain function exploration in naturalistic settings.
- This technology is poised to accelerate research into brain activity during real-world behaviors.
