MXene-Based Microneedle Electrode for Brain-Computer Interface in Diverse Scenarios

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) require advanced electrode technology for reliable signal acquisition.
• Existing electrodes often face challenges with comfort, impedance, and performance in dynamic environments.
• MXene materials offer unique conductive and biocompatible properties for novel electrode designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) framework using MXene microneedle electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes.
• To assess the performance, compatibility, and robustness of these microneedle electrodes for practical BCI applications.
• To investigate the potential of MXene microneedles for high-precision brain activity recording, including steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MXene microneedle EEG electrodes with 1 mm² dimensions.
• Integration of MXene conductive material with microneedle structures for epidermal penetration.
• Evaluation of electrode performance, including contact impedance, EEG signal acquisition (spontaneous and induced), and SSVEP speller precision.
• Assessment of biological compatibility, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) compatibility, and artifact generation.
• Testing in vibrational and real-motion environments to evaluate robustness and anti-interference capabilities.

Main Results:

• The MXene microneedle electrodes achieved low contact impedance and enabled precise SSVEP speller function.
• Demonstrated excellent biological and NMR compatibility with minimal artifact generation and no heating effects.
• Exhibited robust anti-interference capabilities and maintained high-fidelity EEG acquisition in vibrational and real-motion scenarios.
• SSVEP text input accuracy in vibrational environments was comparable to traditional gel electrodes.

Conclusions:

• MXene microneedle electrodes represent a significant advancement for BCI systems, offering a versatile and reliable dry electrode solution.
• The developed electrodes provide high-precision signal acquisition with excellent performance and compatibility for practical, real-world BCI usage.
• This technology facilitates the development of more effective and user-friendly BCI applications.