Measuring and manipulating neuronal signals using implantable electronic microsensor arrays

Problem: 

Most current implantable brain devices stimulate large regions of the brain without sensing. These devices are not able to access the fine multi-scale architecture comprising brain function and do not interact with the brain’s capacity for self-reorganization and repair. 

Solution: 

An implantable electronic micro-sensor array on flexible substrate for the measurement and manipulation of neuronal activity with circuitry to adapt performance based on input patterns. 

Advantages: 

  -  Very high sensor density (20 nm spacing) improves signal quality and preserves space for effector circuits (electrical stimulators, optical emitters)
  -  Low temperature fabrication enables use of flexible polymer substrates to better adhere to curved tissue surfaces (brain, spinal cord, heart)
  -  Self-adaptive circuitry allows optimization of sensor and effector performance post-implantation

Applications: 

  -  Diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, paralysis, cachexia, and cardiac arrhythmia/ischemia
  -  Implantable microarrays have been used to facilitate mental control of electronic devices by spinal injury patients
  -  Implantable cardiac defibrillators  

Stage of Development: 

  -  Prototype arrays have been produced with channel sizes of 60 nm and 20 nm
  -  Prototypes have been used to monitor electrical activity in porcine heart and rat cortex

Intellectual Property: 

  -  U.S. Patent 9,072,887

Desired Partnerships: 

  -  License
  -  Collaboration
Patent Information:

Contact

Joyce Kamande

Assistant Director, PSOM Licensing
University of Pennsylvania

INVENTORS

Keywords