Fully 3D‐Printed Cuff Electrode for Small Nerve Interfacing. Issue 3 (30th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zurita, Francisco; Grob, Leroy; Erben, Amelie; Del Duca, Fulvia; Clausen‐Schaumann, Hauke; Sudhop, Stefanie; Hayden, Oliver; Wolfrum, Bernhard
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 8:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-10-30
• Subjects: 3D printing -- implantable electrode -- nerve cuff; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202200989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: Interfacing with the peripheral nervous system is a powerful method for diagnosing and treating several diseases, such as drug‐resistant epilepsy and depression. In most clinical applications, large nerves such as the vagus and the hypoglossal nerve are targeted. Large nerves carry multiple nerve fibers, and maintaining selectivity of a specific target response demands complex stimulation strategies. As the large trunks bifurcate toward their distal ends, their diameter and number of comprised fibers reduce. Consequently, interfacing small nerves can provide increased fiber selectivity. However, their small size presents challenges to the fabrication and implantation of suitable electrodes due to their fragility and constrained environments. Here, a cuff electrode that combines two‐photon stereolithography and 3D inkjet printing techniques for the selective interfacing of small nerves in vivo is introduced. The device is easy to implant, and its size can be tailored for specific nerve dimensions. Its capability to record and selectively stimulate is demonstrated by targeting a locust's hind leg nerve. Abstract : The article shows a novel fully 3D‐printed electrode for interfacing with small nerves, combining inkjet printing and 2‐photon stereolithography techniques. In vivo validation experiments in locusts show that the device can selectively stimulate the subject's main hind leg nerve and record its neural activity. Furthermore, the recordings allow to determine the direction of propagation of the neural signals.