Integrated optical neural probe
Inventors
Jamieson, Brian • Mateo, Jennette
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10285605-B2
Publication Date
2019-05-14
Expiration Date
2031-07-25
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.
Core Innovation
The invention addresses the integration of optical sources into semiconductor-based neural probes, enabling both optical stimulation and electrical recording of neural activity within compact, implantable devices. The probe consists of a substrate with one or more elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each shank featuring microelectrodes near the distal end for monitoring neuronal activity and at least one integral optical source positioned to illuminate neural tissue without the need for a separate optical waveguide.
The need for this invention originates from challenges faced in medical diagnostics and experimental neuroscience, where existing devices with separate or external optical components are bulky, labor-intensive, and difficult to assemble, limiting their use in research and clinical settings. By integrating the optical source directly into the neural probe, the invention reduces the complexity, size, and tethering issues, allowing more straightforward, cost-effective, and portable point-of-care diagnostic and experimental procedures.
The integrated optical source can be fabricated as an LED, laser, quantum dot, photonic crystal light source, or OLED, implemented either through flip chip bonding or direct microfabrication onto the silicon substrate. The device can include additional components such as lenses, reflectors, or gratings to shape and direct the emitted light precisely onto target neural tissue. Readout circuitry and power sources can also be integrated into the probe, further enhancing functionality and enabling remote or automated data acquisition and analysis.
Claims Coverage
There are two primary independent inventive features described in the claims: the neural probe device structure with integrated optical source and the method of using the neural probe for monitoring neuronal activity.
Neural probe with integral optical source for illuminating neural tissue
A neural probe features a semiconductor substrate with one or more elongated shanks for neural tissue penetration. Each shank has a proximal and a distal end. At least one optical source is integral to the neural probe and is positioned near the distal end of one or more shanks, allowing illumination of the neural tissue without using an optical waveguide. The probe also includes one or more conductive microelectrodes near the distal end for monitoring neural activity. The optical source consists of a buffer layer, an active semiconductor layer made of a III-V semiconductor, and a passivation layer.
Method of monitoring neuronal activity with integrated optical neural probe
This inventive feature covers a method comprising the steps of implanting the integrated neural probe such that its elongated shanks protrude into the neural tissue of a test subject, illuminating the neural tissue with the integrated optical source, and measuring neuronal activity using the probe's microelectrodes in response to the optical stimulation.
The claims broadly protect both the structure of a neural probe with an optical source directly integrated for targeted illumination and electrical measurements, as well as the corresponding methods for using these probes to monitor neuronal activity in a test subject.
Stated Advantages
Enables cost effective, compact, and portable point-of-care medical diagnostic systems.
Reduces the size, complexity, and expense of devices by integrating the optical source with the neural probe, eliminating external or bulky components.
Simplifies performance of experiments requiring optical stimulation and neuronal recording, making such experiments more accessible.
Allows implantation and operation without tethers, enabling selective stimulation and monitoring of neuronal activity in freely behaving animals.
Facilitates highly localized and precise optical stimulation and monitoring.
Documented Applications
Selective stimulation of small groups of neurons for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Studies involving neural activity modulation and monitoring in learning, memory, and brain plasticity experiments.
Point-of-care medical diagnostic and test equipment, including integration into biosensors, bioMEMS, and other implantable devices.
Microfluidic devices for activating and monitoring cellular responses, including use as sentinal devices for biodetection of bioactive agents or toxins.
Selective activation of cardiac cells or other electroactive cells in the heart, gastrointestinal tract, or elsewhere in the body.
Flow cytometer devices utilizing integrated optical sources to optically interrogate tagged cells and record electrical signals.
Biosentinel devices using living cell cultures on a lab-on-chip device for monitoring neuronal circuit responses to detect toxins.
Localized characterization of photovoltaic materials by stimulating with integrated optical sources and measuring electrical responses.
Interested in licensing this patent?