Microfabricated nerve-electrode interfaces in neural prosthetics and neural engineering

• Published in: Biotechnology & genetic engineering reviews Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 113 - 134
• Main Authors: Song, Yong-Ak, Ibrahim, Ahmed M.S., Rabie, Amr N., Han, Jongyoon, Lin, Samuel J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Routledge 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Brain-Computer Interfaces; Electrochemistry; Humans; MEMS; microelectrode array; Microelectrodes; microfabrication; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Microtechnology; neural engineering; neural implant; Neural Prostheses; neural prosthetics
• ISSN: 0264-8725; 2046-5556
• DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2013.801231

Neural interfaces and implants are finding more clinical applications and there are rapid technological advances for more efficient and safe design, fabrication and materials to establish high-fidelity neural interfaces. In this review paper, we highlight new developments of the microfabricated electrodes and substrates with regard to the design, materials, fabrication and their clinical applications. There is a noticeable trend towards integration of microfluidic modules on a single neural platform. In addition to the microelectrodes for neural recording and stimulation, microfluidic channels are integrated into a nerve-electrode interface to explore the rich neurochemistry present at the neural interface and exploit it for enhanced electrochemical stimulation and recording of the central and peripheral nervous system.