A Microfabricated Neural Electrode Array Technology for Long-Term Implant Applications

用于长期植入应用的微制造神经电极阵列技术

• 批准号: 0621984
• 负责人: Christian Zorman
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Case Western Reserve University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2006
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2006-09-15 至 2011-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0621984&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Microfabricated; Neural; Electrode; Array; Technology

The objective of this research is to develop a flexible neural microelectrode array platform technology that is impervious to aqueous solutions and thus suitable for long-term (~ 20 year) medical implants. The approach is to develop a silicon carbide thin film technology suitable for polymer substrates using these films as mechanically-durable, biocompatible, hermetic coatings. The films will be deposited with a precursor used in integrated circuits but has not been developed for biomedical microsystems. Device prototypes will be evaluated for mechanical durability, chemical and hermetic integrity, dielectric quality and biocompatibility using a battery of conventional tests. Finite element modeling will be used to develop improved designs based on testing results.From the materials perspective, this research pushes the extremes of silicon carbide deposition technology by focusing on temperature-sensitive substrates. From the technology perspective, this research addresses a critical issue facing next-generation neural implants; hermetic sealing of mechanically flexible microelectrode arrays equipped with electronics and wireless telemetry. In addition to neural prosthetics, this project will impact the development of other implantable microsystems that suffer from moisture absorption, such retinal prostheses, urologic and cardiac sensor systems, as well as non-medical applications, such as flexible displays and portable power. This research compliments an effort by the Department of Veteran's Affairs to develop microsystem technologies for disabled veterans, specifically those that suffer from paralysis and limb loss. Such technologies will also benefit the non-veteran population. This research will positively impact the nation's technology workforce by involving students from underrepresented groups and local high schools.

这项研究的目的是开发一种灵活的神经微电极阵列平台技术，该技术不受水溶液的影响，因此适合长期（约20年）的医疗植入物。这种方法是开发一种适用于聚合物底物的硅碳化物薄膜技术，使用这些膜作为机械耐磨，生物相容性的密封涂层。这些薄膜将以综合电路中使用的前体沉积，但尚未用于生物医学微型系统。设备原型将通过一系列常规测试评估机械耐用性，化学和密封完整性，介电质量和生物相容性。有限元建模将根据测试结果来开发改进的设计。从材料的角度来看，这项研究通过关注温度敏感的底物来推动碳化物碳化物沉积技术的极端。从技术的角度来看，这项研究解决了下一代神经植入物面临的关键问题。机械柔性的微电极阵列的密封密封配备了电子和无线遥测。除了神经假体外，该项目还将影响受吸收水分吸收的其他可植入的微型系统的发展，例如视网膜假体，泌尿科和心脏传感器系统以及非医疗应用，例如灵活的显示和便携式功率。这项研究补充了退伍军人事务部为残疾退伍军人（特别是患有瘫痪和肢体损失的人）开发微系统技术的努力。这样的技术还将受益于非退伍军人人口。这项研究将通过参与代表性不足的群体和当地高中的学生来积极影响美国的技术劳动力。