A modular, high-bandwidth, bidirectional implantable device for neural interrogation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Current neuroelectronic interfaces are tethered, limiting mobility and clinical use.
• Existing fully implantable systems have design constraints like bulkiness, low bandwidth, or unidirectional communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully implantable, modular neuroelectronic interface for high-bandwidth, bidirectional neural communication.
• To enable advanced diagnostics, treatment of neurological dysfunction, and neuroscientific research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Modular Bionic Interface (MBI) with an implantable device and a wearable unit.
• Benchtop validation of recording and stimulation capabilities.
• Chronic in vivo evaluation in a sheep model over three months.

Main Results:

• The MBI demonstrated stable performance for over three months post-implantation.
• The system successfully delivered stimulation to evoke motor responses and recorded neural signals.
• Modular connections allowed flexible integration with third-party devices.

Conclusions:

• The MBI is a small-footprint, fully implantable system for high-resolution, bidirectional neural interfacing.
• Modular design facilitates integration with existing and future neurotechnologies.
• This technology holds promise for treating complex neurological diseases and injuries.