Recent advances in neural dust: towards a neural interface platform

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 50
Author(s): Ryan M Neely, David K Piech, Samantha R Santacruz, Michel M Maharbiz, Jose M Carmena
The neural dust platform uses ultrasonic power and communication to enable a scalable, wireless, and batteryless system for interfacing with the nervous system. Ultrasound offers several advantages over alternative wireless approaches, including a safe method for powering and communicating with sub mm-sized devices implanted deep in tissue. Early studies demonstrated that neural dust motes could wirelessly transmit high-fidelity electrophysiological data in vivo, and that theoretically, this system could be miniaturized well below the mm-scale. Future developments are focused on further minimization of the platform, better encapsulation methods as a path towards truly chronic neural interfaces, improved delivery mechanisms, stimulation capabilities, and finally refinements to enable deployment of neural dust in the central nervous system.



http://ift.tt/2qU3jQ1