When engineers design devices that interface with the human body, they face a fundamental challenge: how do you create something that’s both electronically functional and physically compatible with living tissue?
This challenge is critical for neural electrodes that are designed to communicate with peripheral nerves. For example, researchers working on prosthetic limb control need electrodes that can both record motor signals from nerves and provide sensory feedback through electrical stimulation. Our recently patented flexible electrode technology represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge.
Peripheral nerves in the human body are soft, flexible structures that bend and move naturally with our daily activities. Traditional electrodes, however, are typically rigid, creating a mismatch between the mechanical properties of the device and the biological tissue.
For electrodes to work effectively over time, they need to maintain reliable electrical connections while accommodating the natural movement and flexibility of nerve tissue. Until now, achieving both requirements simultaneously has been a significant technical hurdle.
Our Innovation: Flexible Electrodes that Maintain Electronic Function
Our breakthrough lies in using electrospun nanofiber mats as the foundation for neural electrodes. This approach leverages the inherently low bending stiffness of these nanofiber structures to create electrodes that can flex without compromising their electronic functionality.
The technology involves creating a polymeric substrate from a nonwoven mass of incredibly thin nanofibers. These fibers are so small they’re measured in nanometers (thousands of times thinner than a human hair). When formed into a mat, they create a structure that combines the flexibility needed for biological compatibility with the ability to maintain electrical conductivity.
Wafer showing dozens of produced electrodes
Light microscopy image of a single electrode. Neural interface is on the right; electrical interface to equipment on the left
Looking Forward
This technology represents an advancement in neural interface engineering. By overcoming the flexibility versus functionality trade-off, we’ve created a platform that could enable new approaches to peripheral nerve interfacing.
While the specific applications of this technology are still being explored, the core innovation addresses a fundamental constraint that has limited previous neural interface designs. The unique electrical functionality combined with material flexibility could also have implications in wearable sensors, conductive textiles, and more.
Contact us to learn more or to find out about collaboration opportunities.
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