Creating a low-cost machine to make custom microelectrode arrays for brain activity recording
Official title: Development of Low-Cost Automatic Machine for In-House Fabrication of Custom Microwire-Based Microelectrode Arrays for Electrophysiology Recordings
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-10730576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use machine that helps neuroscience labs make special tools for recording brain activity, making it cheaper and simpler for researchers to understand how our brains work and improve treatments for brain-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $466,409 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS133861-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals involved in neuroscience research or those requiring custom neural interface implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not engaged in neuroscience research or those who do not require microelectrode arrays for medical purposes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an affordable and automated machine that can fabricate custom microwire-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for recording neural activities. By simplifying the fabrication process, the project aims to enable neuroscience labs to create these specialized tools with minimal engineering expertise and at a lower cost. The machine will utilize advanced techniques such as laser-based tip preparation and direct-ink-writing for precise assembly, ultimately enhancing the ability to study the nervous system. This innovation could lead to improved methods for understanding brain function and developing neural interface implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide neuroscience labs with a cost-effective way to produce high-quality microelectrode arrays, facilitating advancements in brain research and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in automating the fabrication of biomedical devices, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Lei — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Chen, Lei
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.