Bridging the Gap in Neuroelectronic Interfaces

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Editorial

03 June 2020

Editorial: Bridging the Gap in Neuroelectronic Interfaces

Ulrich G. Hofmann

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Jeffrey R. Capadona

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Jeffrey R Capadona

Case Western Reserve University

Ulrich G. Hofmann

University of Freiburg Medical Center

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Recent developments in basic neurosciences at the intersection with computer science and micro-engineering in principle enable high data-throughput interfaces to the nervous system and thus bring neuroprosthetic devices closer to reality. Unfortunately, after a very promising start over a decade ago, these technologies were “lost in translation” on the way to clinical applications and widespread use - mainly due to fast deterioration and loss of signal from the micro-implants meant to acquire a relevant neuronal population signal. One major reason hypothesized to limit practical clinical translation is the poor understanding of failure modes of current high channel count implanted microelectrode arrays. Among several classes of multi-modal problems encountered, the strong foreign-body-response and thus an electrical decoupling of implanted devices from the brain are identified as major obstacles on the path to chronic applications in humans. Fortunately, this issue is addressed in many instances by a wealth of neurobiological research, basic materials research, new micro-engineering approaches and in general an overwhelming creative optimism towards neuro-engineering.

This Research Topic is supposed to collect multi-disciplinary research of leading experts in neuro-engineering, related cellular neuroscience, brain pathology, neuro-technology and materials science in order to present cutting edge solutions and progress on the quest for a chronically useful and reliable neural interface.

Recent developments in basic neurosciences at the intersection with computer science and micro-engineering in principle enable high data-throughput interfaces to the nervous system and thus bring neuroprosthetic devices closer to reality. Unfortunately, after a very promising start over a decade ago, these technologies were “lost in translation” on the way to clinical applications and widespread use - mainly due to fast deterioration and loss of signal from the micro-implants meant to acquire a relevant neuronal population signal. One major reason hypothesized to limit practical clinical translation is the poor understanding of failure modes of current high channel count implanted microelectrode arrays. Among several classes of multi-modal problems encountered, the strong foreign-body-response and thus an electrical decoupling of implanted devices from the brain are identified as major obstacles on the path to chronic applications in humans. Fortunately, this issue is addressed in many instances by a wealth of neurobiological research, basic materials research, new micro-engineering approaches and in general an overwhelming creative optimism towards neuro-engineering.

This Research Topic is supposed to collect multi-disciplinary research of leading experts in neuro-engineering, related cellular neuroscience, brain pathology, neuro-technology and materials science in order to present cutting edge solutions and progress on the quest for a chronically useful and reliable neural interface.

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Editors

Jeffrey R Capadona

Case Western Reserve University

Ulrich G. Hofmann

University of Freiburg Medical Center

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Published In

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Frontiers in Neuroscience

Neuroprosthetics, Neural Technology

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Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

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Frontiers in Neurology

Neuroprosthetics

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Frontiers in Materials

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Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

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