Implantable neural microsystems in medical industry

Abstract

Medical devices have a great impact but rigorous production and quality norms to meet, which pushes manufacturing technology to its limits in several fields, such as electronics, optics, communications, among others. This paper briefly explores how the medical industry is absorbing many of the technological developments from other industries, and making an effort to translate them into the healthcare requirements. An example is discussed in depth: implantable neural microsystems used for brain circuits mapping and modulation. Conventionally, light sources and electrical recording points are placed on silicon neural probes for optogenetic applications. The active sites of the probe must provide enough light power to modulate connectivity between neural networks, and simultaneously ensure reliable recordings of action potentials and local field activity. These devices aim at being a flexible and scalable technology capable of acquiring knowledge about neural mechanisms. Moreover, this paper presents a fabrication method for 2-D LED-based microsystems with high aspect-ratio shafts, capable of reaching up to 20 mm deep neural structures. In addition, PDMS glenses on LEDs top surface are presented for focusing and increasing light intensity on target structures.