Safer, more precise microelectrodes for brain and nerve stimulation
Engineering the Neuronal Response to Electrical Microstimulation
['FUNDING_U01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11312570
Researchers are developing improved tiny brain electrodes to deliver safer, more precise electrical stimulation for people with nervous system injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11312570 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to improve microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and ultra-microelectrode arrays (UMEAs) so they can stimulate brain circuits at the level of individual cells without causing damage. They combine computer modeling, engineering design, and in vivo experiments to determine safe charge levels and how to target specific neural elements. The team will build models for non-damaging currents, optimize electrode designs for selective and graded activation, and experimentally measure device performance. The goal is to produce tools and technologies that other researchers and, ultimately, clinicians can use to treat nervous system injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with central nervous system injuries, such as spinal cord injury or certain types of brain injury, who might benefit from future electrical stimulation therapies.
Not a fit: People without nervous system injuries or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this engineering-focused project at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer and more precise stimulation tools that improve treatments for people with brain or spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Electrical stimulation methods like deep brain stimulation and cortical microstimulation have helped some patients, but this project's emphasis on ultra-small electrodes and formal charge-safety modeling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OTTO, KEVIN J. — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: OTTO, KEVIN J.
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 below.
Conditions: Injury