Electrode
electrode technologies
Improving Communication With the Brain Through Electrode Technologies
Over the past 30 years bionic devices such as cochlear implants and pacemakers, have used a small number of metal electrodes to restore function and monitor activity in patients following disease or injury of excitable tissues. Growing interest in neurotechnologies, facilitated by ventures such as BrainGate, Neuralink and the European Human Brain Project, has increased public awareness of electrotherapeutics and led to both new applications for bioelectronics and a growing demand for less invasive devices with improved performance. Coupled with the rapid miniaturisation of electronic chips, bionic devices are now being developed to diagnose and treat a wide variety of neural and muscular disorders. Of particular interest is the area of high resolution devices that require smaller, more densely packed electrodes. Due to poor integration and communication with body tissue, conventional metallic electrodes cannot meet these size and spatial requirements. We have developed a range of polymer based electronic materials including conductive hydrogels (CHs), conductive elastomers (CEs) and living electrodes (LEs). These technologies provide synergy between low impedance charge transfer, reduced stiffness and an ability to be provide a biologically active interface. A range of electrode approaches are presented spanning wearables, implantables and drug delivery devices. This talk outlines the materials development and characterisation of both in vitro properties and translational in vivo performance. The challenges for translation and commercial uptake of novel technologies will also be discussed.
Advancements in multielectrode recording techniques in neurophysiology: from wire probes to neuropixels
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to multielectrode recording technologies for in vivo neurophysiology. Whether you are new to the field or have experience with one type of technology, this webinar will provide you with information about a variety of technologies, with a main focus on Neuropixels probes. Dr Kris Schoepfer, US Product Specialist at Scientifica, will provide an overview of multielectrode technologies available to record from one or more brain areas simultaneously, including: DIY multielectrode probes; Tetrodes / Hyperdrives; Silicon probes; Neuropixels. Dr Sylvia Schröder, University of Sussex, will delve deeper into the advantages of Neuropixels, highlighting the value of channel depth and the types of new biological insights that can be explored thanks to the advancements this technology brings. Presenting exciting data from the optic tract and superior colliculus, Sylvia will also discuss how Neuropixels recordings can be combined with optogenetics, and how histology can be used to identify the location of probes.