Long term in vitro functional stability and recording longevity of fully integrated wireless neural interfaces based on the Utah Slant Electrode Array

J Neural Eng. 2011 Aug;8(4):045004. doi: 10.1088/1741-2560/8/4/045004. Epub 2011 Jul 20.

Abstract

We evaluate the encapsulation and packaging reliability of a fully integrated wireless neural interface based on a Utah Slant Electrode Array/integrated neural interface-recording version 5 (USEA/INI-R5) system by monitoring the long term in vitro functional stability and recording longevity. The INI encapsulated with 6 µm Parylene-C was immersed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for a period of over 276 days (with the monitoring of the functional device still ongoing). The full functionality (wireless radio-frequency power, command and signal transmission) and the ability of the electrodes to record artificial neural signals even after 276 days of PBS soaking with little change (within 14%) in signal/noise amplitude constitute a major milestone in long term stability and allow us to study and evaluate the encapsulation reliability, functional stability and its potential usefulness for a wireless neural interface for future chronic implants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Buffers
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Electronics
  • Microcomputers
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Phosphates
  • Polymers
  • Prosthesis Design*
  • Sepharose
  • User-Computer Interface*
  • Wireless Technology*
  • Xylenes

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Phosphates
  • Polymers
  • Xylenes
  • parylene
  • Sepharose