Microelectrode Arrays
 Over the past century, research by neuroscientists has provided us with a basic understanding of the organization of the nervous system, and the biophysical properties of the neurons from which this remarkable organ is built. Much of this understanding was obtained from single microelectrodes that record the electrical responses of these neurons to various stimuli. One organizational principle that has evolved from this work is that the brain is a parallel processor of sensory and motor information. Over this past decade neuroscientists, using arrays of microelectrodes to study groups of neurons, have begun to understand how the brain processes this parallel information. The desire for neuroscientists to obtain better (more complete) images of neural activity in various parts of the brain have motivated the development of high density microelectrode arrays that penetrate into the brain. The University of Utah developed silicon based electrode arrays that contain 100 microelectrodes.
The key element in this technology is the invention of a miniature array of microelectrodes. This patented array consists of a 4 mm by 4 mm base that contains, in one array design, 100 silicon spikes that are 1.0 or 1.5 mm long. Each of these spikes or electrodes is connected to a very fine wire that provides an electrical connection to the "outside world." The array is inserted into the cortex with a special patented device so that the electrode spikes penetrate to exactly the correct depth to interface with a stable population of cortical neurons on a long term basis.
In parallel with this quest for basic understanding of brain function has come the appreciation that this microelectrode technology could have therapeutic value for individuals with profound sensory or motor dysfunction. Such neuroprosthetic applications could be the restoration of limited, but functional vision to the blind or hearing to the deaf. If an array of microelectrodes were implanted in motor cortex of quadriplegic patients, the patterns of neural activity produced by volitional thought by the patient could be used to gracefully control wheelchairs or computers. Electrode arrays with larger numbers of electrodes could provide greater therapeutic function than arrays with small numbers of electrodes. Thus, in both basic and applied work, neuroscientists are constantly pushing for higher density electrode arrays. It is clear that the new direction in research ushered in by this emerging technology will soon require electrode arrays containing hundreds of electrodes.
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The Cyberkinetics Microelectrode Array can be wired to various connector types to complete a microelectrode array assembly. The table below lists the different chronic and acute connector options. Click the picture or the link below the picture for connector details.
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