Long-term chronic intracortical neural interfaces present many challenges at different levels. Developing high-density implantable devices that can monitor and perturb the neuronal circuits at the neuron level while being “invisible” to the body is a key challenge to unveiling the “secrets” of the brain. The many key aspects of the development of such devices are:
• Materials used in the implant, their biocompatibility, and reliability
• Device flexibility, stiffness, and their capability to comply with the brain
• Cross-sectional dimensions of the devices vs electrodes density
• Devices assembly and connectivity for front-end electronics
• Handling and implantation complexity
• Experimental validation
The main goal of this research topic is to promote a wide discussion on all the aspects and challenges presented when developing and using intracortical neural interfaces for long-term chronic applications. While some of these aspects, like flexibility and materials biocompatibility, have been highly discussed, there is a clear lack of reports and visibility in very important challenges such as device assembly, connectors, device handling, and implantation strategies.
In this research topic, we welcome contributions highlighting the latest original results that will lead to reliable long-term chronic intracortical neural interfaces. The scope covers materials and device fabrication to connectors, device handling, implantation strategies, and experimental validation. The submission of reviews and perspective articles on this topic is also strongly encouraged.
Long-term chronic intracortical neural interfaces present many challenges at different levels. Developing high-density implantable devices that can monitor and perturb the neuronal circuits at the neuron level while being “invisible” to the body is a key challenge to unveiling the “secrets” of the brain. The many key aspects of the development of such devices are:
• Materials used in the implant, their biocompatibility, and reliability
• Device flexibility, stiffness, and their capability to comply with the brain
• Cross-sectional dimensions of the devices vs electrodes density
• Devices assembly and connectivity for front-end electronics
• Handling and implantation complexity
• Experimental validation
The main goal of this research topic is to promote a wide discussion on all the aspects and challenges presented when developing and using intracortical neural interfaces for long-term chronic applications. While some of these aspects, like flexibility and materials biocompatibility, have been highly discussed, there is a clear lack of reports and visibility in very important challenges such as device assembly, connectors, device handling, and implantation strategies.
In this research topic, we welcome contributions highlighting the latest original results that will lead to reliable long-term chronic intracortical neural interfaces. The scope covers materials and device fabrication to connectors, device handling, implantation strategies, and experimental validation. The submission of reviews and perspective articles on this topic is also strongly encouraged.
