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The conformal, high-density SpineWrap microelectrode array for focal stimulation and selective muscle recruitment
Samantha M Russman1,2, Rhea Montgomery-Walsh1,2, Ritwik Vatsyayan1
1Integrated Electronics and Biointerfaces Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Advanced Functional Materials
|August 11, 2025
Summary
A new flexible, high-channel microelectrode array called SpineWrap offers improved spinal cord stimulation for functional restoration after injury. This technology enables precise muscle activation, advancing epidural electrical stimulation for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) is used for pain management and spinal cord injury (SCI) functional restoration.
- Current EES devices use bulky, low-channel paddle arrays, limiting effectiveness and selectivity.
- Varied patient neuroanatomy necessitates subject-specific designs for existing EES technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel thin-film, high-channel count microelectrode array for EES.
- To assess the array's ability to achieve focal stimulation and selective muscle recruitment.
- To determine optimal channel density for maximal selectivity in spinal cord stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Development of SpineWrap: a thin-film, high-channel microelectrode array conforming to the rat spinal cord.
- Computational modeling and in vivo studies in rats to assess muscle recruitment.
- Investigation of channel count and density effects on stimulation selectivity at submillimeter resolution.
Main Results:
- SpineWrap demonstrated selective recruitment of lower limb muscles in rats.
- Submillimeter resolution stimulation hotspots were identified, maximizing muscle recruitment selectivity.
- High channel count and submillimeter pitch are crucial for maximal selectivity in spinal cord arrays.
Conclusions:
- SpineWrap represents a significant advancement in EES technology for SCI.
- The device enables more refined and selective muscle activation compared to current methods.
- Chronic adaptation of SpineWrap holds potential for improved SCI treatment strategies.
