# Nerve Reshaping For Improved Electrode Selectivity

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $523,665

## Abstract

ABSTRACT:
Interest in the field of neural prosthetics has grown significantly in the last 20 years. Yet only few applications
such as cochlear prosthesis have found their way into patient therapy. One of the major reasons for this lack of
success is the nerve-computer interface. Recent development in electrode design show that either reshaping
the nerve into a flat configuration or maintaining the nerve in an already flat shape can allow selective stimulation
of fascicles for sensory substitution in amputees. The Flat Nerve Interface Electrode (FINE) design is the result
of research carried out during the last grant period and showed that recovery of voluntary intent from a minimum
of two fascicles in freely moving dogs is possible. Yet human nerves have many fascicles and a leap in
technology is required. Recent developments with carbonanotubes yarns (CNTYs) nerve interface could meet
these requirements. The central hypothesis of this renewal proposal is that by combining the FINE
technology with CNTYs, it will be possible to selectively stimulate and record simultaneously for long
periods of time in human-like somatic nerves. In five aims, we propose to develop a 32-ch recording and
stimulating interface for multi-fasciculated nerves. The Nerve Computer Interface (NCI) will be tested in acute
and chronic animal preparations on minipigs with nerves containing multiple fascicles similar to humans. We will
1) test this NCI for its selective recording and selective stimulation capabilities, 2) determine its potential for a
closed-loop control of nerves and 3) determine its potential for nerve damage. This combination of extra- and
intra-fascicular technologies both known to provide safe and effective interface with nerves could finally provide
a novel and stable long term implant for human nerve interfacing.
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## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10223441
- **Project number:** 5R01NS032845-23
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DOMINIQUE M DURAND
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $523,665
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1994-06-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10223441

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10223441, Nerve Reshaping For Improved Electrode Selectivity (5R01NS032845-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10223441. Licensed CC0.

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