# Developing A Transition MicroElelectrode Array for Large-scale Brain Recording

> **NIH NIH R21** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2022 · $226,606

## Abstract

Project Summary
 The brain’s functions are determined by its neural circuits, which consist of approximately 85 billion
neuronal cells. Current brain recording technology is not sufficient to accomplish the goal of a high resolution
mapping of brain activity due to the lack of a large-scale recording technology. Another vital challenge for
current brain recording technology is obtaining longer lifetime for the implanted electrodes to prevent repeated
surgeries. As over time, the harsh physiological environment (wet, ionic, reactive oxidizing species, immune
response, etc.) in the neural tissue breaks down and/or encapsulates the electrode implants.
 To overcome these obstacles, we propose to develop and validate an implantable Transition Micro-
Electrode Array (tMEA) for large-scale brain recording and modulation. This approach has the potential to
eventually achieve an interface density of 106 “electrodes” per cm2, which is several orders of magnitude
beyond established neural recording solutions. Except for the ultra-high recording capability, radically different
from existing neural technologies, the tMEA uses living neurons as means of electrical recording and its axon
guiding probes will be fabricated from degradable biopolymer via 3D printing. We expect the biocompatibility of
the tMEA’s unique design will greatly decrease tissue damage and may suppress inflammatory immune
response in the brain. The tMEA technology will use biopolymers that degrade safely after implantation,
exposing living neural stem cells that will project their axons into local brain regions to form synaptic
connections with the patient’s own neurons. In this way, the biological neuronal axons grow into a stable
“electrode array” and replace a failure-prone abiotic interface with natural biotic connections act as a high-
performance brain-machine interface. All these distinctive features endow the tMEA with unique potential for
neuroscientists and clinicians to explore human brain functions and treat neurological disease, enabling an
advancement of neuroscience, medical practice, and a variety of other future technologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10463817
- **Project number:** 5R21EY033082-02
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Yantao Fan
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $226,606
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10463817

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10463817, Developing A Transition MicroElelectrode Array for Large-scale Brain Recording (5R21EY033082-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10463817. Licensed CC0.

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