Microfabricated bioelectronic systems for prevention, diagnostics and treatment of neurological disorders

Abstract

Neurological disorders are a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Today, new devices and techniques allow clinicians and scientists to assess the living brain, monitor and alter the nervous system activity in real time. An essential approach relies on direct, physical interfacing of electrical probes with the neural tissue. Currently approved clinical interfaces have limited precision for both recording and stimulation, in large part because of their form-factor and low number of electrical channels communicating with the neural tissue. We report on current progress and remaining challenges in miniaturized, biomimetic and integrated implantable neural systems that will lead novel diagnosis, treatments and cures for people suffering and living with neurological disorders.