scholarly journals Fabrication of Convex PDMS–Parylene Microstructures for Conformal Contact of Planar Micro-Electrode Array

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1436
Author(s):  
Woo Ram Lee ◽  
Changkyun Im ◽  
Hae-Yong Park ◽  
Jong-Mo Seo ◽  
Jun-Min Kim

Polymer-based micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) are gaining attention as an essential technology to understand brain connectivity and function in the field of neuroscience. However, polymer based MEAs may have several challenges such as difficulty in performing the etching process, difficulty of micro-pattern generation through the photolithography process, weak metal adhesion due to low surface energy, and air pocket entrapment over the electrode site. In order to compensate for the challenges, this paper proposes a novel MEA fabrication process that is performed sequentially with (1) silicon mold preparation; (2) PDMS replica molding, and (3) metal patterning and parylene insulation. The MEA fabricated through this process possesses four arms with electrode sites on the convex microstructures protruding about 20 μm from the outermost layer surface. The validity of the convex microstructure implementation is demonstrated through theoretical background. The electrochemical impedance magnitude is 204.4 ± 68.1 kΩ at 1 kHz. The feasibility of the MEA with convex microstructures was confirmed by identifying the oscillation in the beta frequency band (13–30 Hz) in the electrocorticography signal of a rat olfactory bulb during respiration. These results suggest that the MEA with convex microstructures is promising for applying to various neural recording and stimulation studies.

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Soowon Shin ◽  
Yoonhee Ha ◽  
Gwangjin Choi ◽  
Junewoo Hyun ◽  
Sangwoo Kim ◽  
...  

(1) Background: In this study, we introduce a manufacturable 32-channel cochlear electrode array. In contrast to conventional cochlear electrode arrays manufactured by manual processes that consist of electrode-wire welding, the placement of each electrode, and silicone molding over wired structures, the proposed cochlear electrode array is manufactured by semi-automated laser micro-structuring and a mass-produced layer-by-layer silicone deposition scheme similar to the semiconductor fabrication process. (2) Methods: The proposed 32-channel electrode array has 32 electrode contacts with a length of 24 mm and 0.75 mm spacing between contacts. The width of the electrode array is 0.45 mm at its apex and 0.8 mm at its base, and it has a three-layered arrangement consisting of a 32-channel electrode layer and two 16-lead wire layers. To assess its feasibility, we conducted an electrochemical evaluation, stiffness measurements, and insertion force measurements. (3) Results: The electrochemical impedance and charge storage capacity are 3.11 ± 0.89 kOhm at 1 kHz and 5.09 mC/cm2, respectively. The V/H ratio, which indicates how large the vertical stiffness is compared to the horizontal stiffness, is 1.26. The insertion force is 17.4 mN at 8 mm from the round window, and the maximum extraction force is 61.4 mN. (4) Conclusions: The results of the preliminary feasibility assessment of the proposed 32-channel cochlear electrode array are presented. After further assessments are performed, a 32-channel cochlear implant system consisting of the proposed 32-channel electrode array, 32-channel neural stimulation and recording IC, titanium-based hermetic package, and sound processor with wireless power and signal transmission coil will be completed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4144
Author(s):  
Ohad Cohen ◽  
Jean-Yves Sichel ◽  
Chanan Shaul ◽  
Itay Chen ◽  
J. Thomas Roland ◽  
...  

Although malpositioning of the cochlear implant (CI) electrode array is rare in patients with normal anatomy, when occurring it may result in reduced hearing outcome. In addition to intraoperative electrophysiologic tests, imaging is an important modality to assess correct electrode array placement. The purpose of this report was to assess the incidence and describe cases in which intraoperative plain radiographs detected a malpositioned array. Intraoperative anti-Stenver’s view plain X-rays are conducted routinely in all CI surgeries in our tertiary center before awakening the patient and breaking the sterile field. Data of patients undergoing 399 CI surgeries were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 355 had normal inner ear and temporal bone anatomy. Patients with intra or extracochlear malpositioned electrode arrays demonstrated in the intraoperative X-ray were described. There were four cases of electrode array malposition out of 355 implantations with normal anatomy (1.1%): two tip fold-overs, one extracochlear placement and one partial insertion. All electrodes were reinserted immediately; repeated radiographs were normal and the patients achieved good hearing function. Intraoperative plain anti-Stenver’s view X-rays are valuable to confirm electrode array location, allowing correction before the conclusion of surgery. These radiographs are cheaper, faster, and emit much less radiation than other imaging options, making them a viable cost-effective tool in patients with normal anatomy.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 3781-3789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Nauhaus ◽  
Dario L. Ringach

Recent theoretical models of primary visual cortex predict a relationship between receptive field properties and the location of the neuron within the orientation maps. Testing these predictions requires the development of new methods that allow the recording of single units at various locations across the orientation map. Here we present a novel technique for the precise alignment of functional maps and array recordings. Our strategy consists of first measuring the orientation maps in V1 using intrinsic optical imaging. A micromachined electrode array is subsequently implanted in the same patch of cortex for electrophysiological recordings, including the measurement of orientation tuning curves. The location of the array within the map is obtained by finding the position that maximizes the agreement between the preferred orientations measured electrically and optically. Experimental results of the alignment procedure from two implementations in monkey V1 are presented. The estimated accuracy of the procedure is evaluated using computer simulations. The methodology should prove useful in studying how signals from the local neighborhood of a neuron, thought to provide a dominant feedback signal, shape the receptive field properties in V1.


2002 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarbas J. R. Rohwedder ◽  
Celio Pasquini ◽  
Ivo M. Raimundo, Jr. ◽  
M. Conceiçao ◽  
B. S. M. Montenegro ◽  
...  

A versatile potentiometer that works with electrode arrays in flow injection and/or monosegmented flow systems is described. The potentiometer is controlled by a microcomputer that allows individual, sequential multiplexed or random accesses to eight electrodes while employing only one reference electrode. The instrument was demonstrated by monitoring an array of seven flow-through ion-selective electrodes for Ag+and for three electrodes for Cl-, Ca2+and K+. The figures of merit of the individual and multiplexed (summed) readings of the electrode array were compared. The absolute standard deviation of the measurements made by summing the potential of two or more electrodes was maintained constant, thus improving the precision of the measurements. This result shows that an attempt to combine the signals of the electrodes to produce a more intense signal in the Hadamard strategy is feasible and accompanied by a proportional improvement in the precision of individual measurements. The preliminary tests suggest that the system can allow for 270 determinations per hour, with a linear range from1.0×10−2to1.0×10−4mol l-1for the three di¡erent analytes. Detection limits were estimated as3.1×10−5,3.0×10−6and1.0×10−5mol l-1for Cl-, Ca2+and K+, respectively.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Amini ◽  
Hamidreza Ramazi

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the application of the Combined Resistivity Sounding and Profiling electrode configuration (CRSP) to detect underground cavities. Electrical resistivity surveying is among the most favorite geophysical methods due to its nondestructive and economical properties in a wide range of geosciences. Several types of the electrode arrays are applied to detect different certain objectives. In one hand, the electrode array plays an important role in determination of output resolution and depth of investigations in all resistivity surveys. On the other hand, they have their own merits and demerits in terms of depth of investigations, signal strength, and sensitivity to resistivity variations. In this article several synthetic models, simulating different conditions of cavity occurrence, were used to examine the responses of some conventional electrode arrays and also CRSP array. The results showed that CRSP electrode configuration can detect the desired objectives with a higher resolution rather than some other types of arrays. Also a field case study was discussed in which electrical resistivity approach was conducted in Abshenasan expressway (Tehran, Iran) U-turn bridge site for detecting potential cavities and/or filling loose materials. The results led to detect an aqueduct tunnel passing beneath the study area.


2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Mittmann ◽  
A Ernst ◽  
I Todt

AbstractBackground:Preservation of residual hearing is one of the major goals in modern cochlear implant surgery. Intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes influence residual hearing, and should be kept low before, during and after cochlear implant insertion.Methods:Experiments were performed in an artificial cochlear model. A pressure sensor was inserted in the apical part. Five insertions were performed on two electrode arrays. Each insertion was divided into three parts, and statistically evaluated in terms of pressure peak frequency and pressure peak amplitude.Results:The peak frequency over each third part of the electrode increased in both electrode arrays. A slight increase was seen in peak amplitude in the lateral wall electrode array, but not in the midscalar electrode array. Significant differences were found in the first third of both electrode arrays.Conclusion:The midscalar and lateral wall electrode arrays have different intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes associated with intra-cochlear placement, electrode characteristics and insertion.


Geophysics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas W. Oldenburg ◽  
Yaoguo Li

In this paper, the term “depth of investigation” refers generically to the depth below which surface data are insensitive to the value of the physical property of the earth. Estimates of this depth for dc resistivity and induced polarization (IP) surveys are essential when interpreting models obtained from any inversion because structure beneath that depth should not be interpreted geologically. We advocate carrying out a limited exploration of model space to generate a few models that have minimum structure and that differ substantially from the final model used for interpretation. Visual assessment of these models often provides answers about existence of deeper structures. Differences between the models can be quantified into a depth of investigation (DOI) index that can be displayed with the model used for interpretation. An explicit algorithm for evaluating the DOI is presented. The DOI curves are somewhat dependent upon the parameters used to generate the different models, but the results are robust enough to provide the user with a first‐order estimate of a depth region below which the earth structure is no longer constrained by the data. This prevents overinterpretation of the inversion results. The DOI analysis reaffirms the generally accepted conclusions that different electrode array geometries have different depths of penetration. However, the differences between the inverted models for different electrode arrays are far less than differences in the pseudosection images. Field data from the Century deposit are inverted and presented with their DOI index.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Wook Park ◽  
Amelia A. Schendel ◽  
Solomon Mikael ◽  
Sarah K. Brodnick ◽  
Thomas J. Richner ◽  
...  

Abstract Neural micro-electrode arrays that are transparent over a broad wavelength spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared could allow for simultaneous electrophysiology and optical imaging, as well as optogenetic modulation of the underlying brain tissue. The long-term biocompatibility and reliability of neural micro-electrodes also require their mechanical flexibility and compliance with soft tissues. Here we present a graphene-based, carbon-layered electrode array (CLEAR) device, which can be implanted on the brain surface in rodents for high-resolution neurophysiological recording. We characterize optical transparency of the device at >90% transmission over the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum and demonstrate its utility through optical interface experiments that use this broad spectrum transparency. These include optogenetic activation of focal cortical areas directly beneath electrodes, in vivo imaging of the cortical vasculature via fluorescence microscopy and 3D optical coherence tomography. This study demonstrates an array of interfacing abilities of the CLEAR device and its utility for neural applications.


2007 ◽  
Vol 1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Stieglitz

AbstractMultielectrode arrays create the interfaces between nerves and technical systems in neuroprosthetic devices. MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technologies offer opportunities to develop high density arrays with large numbers of electrodes and smallest dimensions of electrode site area and pitch. Polymers are promising candidates for flexible substrates of these electrode arrays to meet the requirements of structural biocompatibility. In addition, these substrates must be biostable and should be non-toxic. From an engineering point of view, material processing should be feasible with standard MEMS process technology. Fail-safe integration of electronic circuitry, encapsulation of the systems with substrate-integrated electrodes and connection to cables and connectors is of great importance for reliable (micro-) implants.A comprehensive overview of the application of polymers like silicone rubber, polyimide, and parylene C as substrate, insulation and encapsulation material for multielectrode arrays will be given. Assembling techniques for system integration and encapsulation concepts will be discussed with a special attention on the adhesion properties between substrate, interconnects and insulation and possible failure mechanisms. Application scenarios include peripheral nerve interfaces like cuff and sieve electrodes as well as multielectrode arrays for retinal vision prostheses and shaft and grid arrays for the central nervous system interfaces.


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