Wireless neuromodulation via microwave split ring resonator
Inventors
Yang, Chen • Cheng, Ji-Xin • Zheng, Nan • Li, Yueming • Jiang, Ying • Lan, Lu • Marar, Carolyn
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12318136-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
2042-05-05
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Abstract
A system for neuromodulation includes a split-ring resonator (SRR) comprising a resonance circuit, the SRR being implantable in a cranial target site and a source of microwave signals, wherein the microwave signals are deliverable wirelessly to couple with the SRR to produce a localized electrical field, wherein the localized electrical field inhibits one or more neurons at the cranial target site with submillimeter spatial precision.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for neuromodulation that uses an implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) containing a resonance circuit. The SRR is placed in a cranial or other biological target site and is wirelessly powered by a source of microwave signals. When the microwaves couple with the SRR, a highly localized electrical field is generated. This field modulates, inhibits, or stimulates neurons at the target site with submillimeter spatial precision.
The problem addressed is the lack of spatial precision and invasive requirements in current neuromodulation technologies. Traditional neuromodulation techniques, such as deep brain stimulation, require invasive implants and are limited by the need for device wiring and battery replacement. Noninvasive electromagnetic techniques like tDCS and TMS offer poor spatial resolution, while optogenetic methods cannot penetrate deep brain regions noninvasively and require the implantation of optical fibers.
The core innovation lies in using the SRR as a miniaturized, implantable antenna specifically designed so that its perimeter is approximately half the microwave wavelength, enabling resonance and field localization beyond the microwave diffraction limit. This arrangement allows wireless and battery-free neuromodulation with significantly improved spatial resolution—on the order of 100 μm—at deep tissue sites, and at microwave dosages below established safety limits. The system supports both neural inhibition and stimulation and can be constructed using biocompatible materials like titanium alloy or copper.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims provide three primary inventive features covering: a neuromodulation system using implantable SRR technology, a system allowing both neuronal inhibition and stimulation, and neuromodulation methods using an SRR with wireless microwave delivery.
Neuromodulation system using an implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) and wireless microwave delivery
A system comprising: - An implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) with a resonance circuit, placed in a biological target site. - A source of microwave signals, deliverable wirelessly to the SRR to produce a localized electrical field. - The localized electrical field modulates one or more neurons at the target site.
System for modulation, including stimulation and inhibition of neurons at the target site
A neuromodulation system comprising: - An implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) with a resonance circuit. - A wireless source of microwave signals coupled to the SRR to create a localized electrical field. - The localized electrical field enables both stimulation and inhibition of one or more neurons at the target site.
Method for neuromodulation using SRR and wireless microwave signals
A method comprising: 1. Implanting a split-ring resonator (SRR) with a resonance circuit at a target site. 2. Delivering microwave signals wirelessly to the SRR to generate a localized electrical field. 3. The localized electrical field modulates (stimulates or inhibits) one or more neurons at the target site.
In summary, the inventive features focus on the use of a wirelessly powered, implantable SRR to achieve localized neuromodulation—including both inhibition and stimulation—through exposure to externally delivered microwave signals.
Stated Advantages
Enables neuromodulation with submillimeter spatial precision, on the order of 100 μm, surpassing the microwave diffraction limit.
Reduces invasiveness and minimizes wound healing response due to the small volume of the implant (<2 mm3).
Allows wireless, battery-free operation for deep brain modulation, reducing the need for invasive wiring or battery replacement.
Allows modulation (inhibition or stimulation) of neurons at centimeter-scale depths within the brain.
Permits lower microwave dosage within established safety limits (10 W/kg over 6 minutes), reducing the risk of thermal damage.
Provides region-specific brain modulation and the potential for selective inhibition of a single nerve.
Pulse modification of microwave signals enables prolonging treatment duration without inducing thermal toxicity.
Documented Applications
Wireless neuromodulation for the treatment of epilepsy, including suppression of seizures in a mouse model.
Region-specific brain modulation and selective inhibition of single nerves in neuroscience research or therapy.
Wireless modulation of deep brain sites, enabling treatment of disorders involving excessive neuronal excitability (e.g., chronic pain).
Implanting multiple SRRs with varying diameters to modulate multiple brain regions.
Potential use for thermal stimulation of neurons at higher power densities.
Enabling noninvasive wireless neuromodulation through transcranial delivery of microwave signals.
Potential application in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
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