Miniature Neural Interface Microdrive using Parylene-coated Layered Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper describes a prototype neural interface "microdrive" capable of positioning electrodes with micron precision to record signals from active neurons. The prototype is part of ongoing efforts to develop "smart" neural implant devices that can autonomously optimize neural signals for long-term recordings. Such implants will enable new generations of neural prosthetic systems that will allow patients with lost motor function to control external devices through thoughts alone. The prototype presented was constructed using a layered manufacturing (rapid prototyping) method and made bio-compatible through coating of Parylene. The microdrive offers several advantages over much of the current state of the art in neural recording devices and can be used to support studies in both neural prosthetics and general neurophysiology. A companion paper describes the algorithm used to control the device for autonomous operation.

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