Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces for Continuous Peripheral Neural Signal Recording and Robust Cross-Subject Decoding

Accurate decoding of peripheral nerve signals is essential for advancing neuroscience research, developing therapeutics for neurological disorders, and creating reliable human-machine interfaces. However, the poor mechanical compliance of conventional metal electrodes and limited generalization of existing decoding models have significantly hindered progress in understanding peripheral nerve function. This study introduces low-impedance, soft-conducting polymer electrodes capable of forming stable, intimate contacts with peripheral nerve tissues, allowing for continuous and reliable recording of neural activity in awake animals. Using this unique dataset of neurophysiological signals, a neural network model that integrates both handcrafted and deep learning-derived features, while incorporating parameter-sharing and adaptation training strategies, is developed. This approach significantly improves the generalizability of the decoding model across subjects, reducing the reliance on extensive training data. The findings not only deepen the understanding of peripheral nerve function but also open avenues for developing advanced interventions to augment and restore neurological functions.