Fabrication, methods, apparatuses, and systems for ultra-compliant probes for neural and other tissues
US9241651B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49197
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods, systems and apparatuses of ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays that allows for design flexibility to match the stiffness of the tissue it is being applied to, such as the brain tissue, in all three axes (x, y and z), with interconnect cross section smaller than cell dimensions. Stiffness matching requires specific geometric and fabrication approaches, commonly leading to ultra-thin probe wires. Sizing of the electrodes for specific cell dimensions reduces glial formation. Further reduction in stiffness is obtained by incorporating different geometric features to the electrode, such as meandering the electrode wires. The small thickness and geometric features of the wires commonly result in very high compliance. To enable effective insertion of the probes to the tissue, the present invention uses stiff biodisolvable and/or biodegradable polymers, including single use or combinations of carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, maltose, other sugar molecules, polylactic acid and its co-polymers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.