EXTENSIBLE HERMETIC NEURAL INTERFACE MICROSYSTEMS

Numerous closed-loop neural prosthetic devices are currently undergoing pre-clinical testing, but existing neural recording and stimulation devices are too cumbersome for use outside the clinic. For successful clinical implementation, miniaturized wireless neural recording and stimulation devices are essential. The focus of this Phase II SBIR proposal is to design, build, and commercialize compact, flexible, and robust implantable neural recording and stimulation devices. These remotely-powered programmable capsules will be necessary for control of state-of-the-art neural prosthetic systems, empowering the study and deployment of bioelectronic therapies. The implantable devices will meet the technological demand required for Haptix, Electrix and TNT and other high bandwith neural prosthetic systems and interface with a range of electrodes. We propose to develop devices with up to 128 channels of recording and up to 16 channels of electrical or optical stimulation in individual or paired devices with full hermetic encapsulation stable for at least 2 years. These devices will accelerate neuroprosthetic experiments in rodent and NHP models of disease. Design, engineering and fabrication will be assessed and tailored specifically towards translational specifications, which will be reviewed and proposed at the end of the Phase II once the animal testing and data analysis is complete.