Delivery of Precision Acoustic Fields to Penetrating Neural Implants to Improve Longevity and Performance of the Neural Interface

This program evaluates the application of precision acoustic fields to penetrating neural implants to prevent electrode impedance rise and improve implant longevity. Problem to be solved: Chronic neural implants hold great potential for illuminating features of neural function and treating neurological disorders. Penetrating electrode arrays provide direct access to neural signals across the central and peripheral nervous system with high spatial resolution. A consistent point of failure for chronically implanted microelectrode arrays is the poor longevity and functionality of these devices, an issue that must be addressed to facilitate clinical translation of neural implant technology. One major failure mode of electrode arrays is the host tissue?s immune response (i.e., foreign body response or FBR), which causes glial scarring and neural cell loss near electrode sites, impairing recording quality. Efforts have been made to minimize the brain FBR through electrode design and pharmacological treatment, but there is no optimal solution; performance variability persists for all array types. We propose an innovative means of reducing the FBR by using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to acoustically promote localized neurotrophic release in cortical tissue surrounding a neural implant. Studies will also focus on implanted transducers and provide new insights into the possible neuroprotective effects of frequencies above conventional transcranial ultrasound studies. Hypothesis. Application of localized ultrasonic fields of different acoustic parameters and treatment intervals can affect release of neurotrophic factors, and can be used to mitigate glial scarring, promote neural implant longevity, and neuron health. Aim 1 ? Design and characterize head-mounted ultrasound transducer for chronic in vivo studies. Acceptance Criteria: Acoustic stimulation is well-coupled and is thermally safe (