#South Korea #Seoul #SEOULTECH #Brain-Machine Interface #CNT Electrodes

SeoulTech's Groundbreaking Hybrid Electrodes for Safe Brain-Machine Interfaces

In a significant advancement for neuroscience, researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) have unveiled a new hybrid electrode design aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). These revolutionary polymer-carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes combine exceptional electrical conductivity with remarkable mechanical softness, which is crucial for applications where human brain tissue is involved.

The Importance of Electrode Design in Neuroscience

Brain-machine interfaces have transformed the way we understand and interact with the brain, allowing scientists to monitor and interpret neural signals in real-time. Central to this technology are microelectrodes—small, hair-like structures implanted in the brain that facilitate communication between brain activity and external devices. However, traditional microelectrodes have posed challenges; while rigid materials like metals and silicon improve signal recording stability, they often cause significant damage to delicate brain tissues. Conversely, softer polymer electrodes can minimize tissue harm but typically suffer from poor electrical performance.

A Breakthrough in Hybrid Technology

To overcome these challenges, Associate Professor Jong G. Ok from SeoulTech, along with Dr. Maesoon Im from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, developed a new type of microelectrode employing vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests embedded within a flexible polymer matrix. This innovative design achieves a combination of high electrical performance and tissue compliance, meaning that these electrodes can record brain signals without inflicting damage.

The team’s research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, describes how the electrode arrays are about 4,000 times softer than traditional silicon electrodes, which allows them to adapt better to the brain's soft tissue while maintaining stable signal capture. The arrays were designed through a sector process that involved a multi-step growth of CNTs combined with a unique polymer hybridization method.

In-Vivo Testing and Results

In rigorous in-vivo testing using mice, the CNT-polymer electrodes showcased their ability to record light-induced responses from visual cortex neurons—the brain's processing center for sight. Notably, the implantation of these electrodes resulted in a significantly lower inflammatory response compared to conventional tungsten microwires, indicating superior biocompatibility. After a month-long implantation period, researchers observed reduced activation of astrocytes and microglial cells, both of which are implicated in brain injury response. This reduction highlights the long-term viability of the conductive arrays and their ability to serve in clinical applications with minimal risk of harm.

Future Implications and Applications

The potential applications of these hybrid microelectrodes are astonishing. The development of advanced brain-machine interfaces can revolutionize medical devices, particularly for individuals suffering from conditions like retinal degeneration or optic nerve damage. Furthermore, the researchers envision future technologies that could facilitate improved brain-assisted communication, as well as contribute to the development of bionic eyes and immersive augmented reality/virtual reality experiences.

Dr. Ok emphasized that their work represents a step towards creating bioelectronic devices capable of interpreting visual attention signals, which could open up novel forms of interaction and communication. The ultimate goal is to refine these electrodes further, scaling them down for subcellular use, thereby allowing for a higher resolution in capturing neural signals.

Overall, these hybrid polymer-CNT microelectrodes demonstrate immense promise for next-generation neuroscience tools and have the potential to dramatically improve the landscape of brain-computer interfaces. As research continues, the implications for both clinical and technological advancements are vast, paving the way for future breakthroughs.

References

• - Title of original paper: Polymer-Incorporated Mechanically Compliant Carbon Nanotube Microelectrode Arrays for Multichannel Neural Signal Recording
• - Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
• - DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202509630

About Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH)

For more details, visit SeoulTech or contact: Eunhee Lim at 82-2-970-9166.