Organic electronics for high-resolution electrocorticography of the human brain

Sci Adv. 2016 Nov 9;2(11):e1601027. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.1601027. eCollection 2016 Nov.

Abstract

Localizing neuronal patterns that generate pathological brain signals may assist with tissue resection and intervention strategies in patients with neurological diseases. Precise localization requires high spatiotemporal recording from populations of neurons while minimizing invasiveness and adverse events. We describe a large-scale, high-density, organic material-based, conformable neural interface device ("NeuroGrid") capable of simultaneously recording local field potentials (LFPs) and action potentials from the cortical surface. We demonstrate the feasibility and safety of intraoperative recording with NeuroGrids in anesthetized and awake subjects. Highly localized and propagating physiological and pathological LFP patterns were recorded, and correlated neural firing provided evidence about their local generation. Application of NeuroGrids to brain disorders, such as epilepsy, may improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes while reducing complications associated with invasive electrodes conventionally used to acquire high-resolution and spiking data.

Keywords: NeuroGrid; Organic electronics; conducting polymers; epilepsy; human electrocorticography.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Electrocorticography* / instrumentation
  • Electrocorticography* / methods
  • Electronics, Medical
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged