# Optical neural motes to enable high density recording through intact dura in a nonhuman primate

> **NIH NIH RF1** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $2,572,751

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
IR Powered and Hermetically-Sealed Single-Unit Neural Recording Wireless
 Motes for Large Scale Implantation Into Nonhuman Primate Cortex
 In this research agenda, we propose the ReMote which is a wireless neural recording probe that utilizes
near-infrared (NIR) light for both power delivery and two-way communication, 8m diameter carbon fiber
electrodes that can be implanted with minimal bleeding and scarring, a new circuit architecture based on
extracting spiking band power (SBP) which reduces power consumption and the communication
bandwidth but nonetheless detects single units, a physically unclonable function (PUF) for independent
addressing of the motes after implantation, and miniature glass packaging for a long term hermetic circuit
protection. The ReMote is < 250 m in width, sits on top of the cortex, and carbon fibers no larger than
the neurons themselves penetrate into the brain. Aim 1 is focused on the design of the CMOS and optical
components of the mote, with prototypes already in place and fully wireless operation demonstrated.
Aim 2 is focused on packaging and functionalization of the carbon fiber electrode. Aim 3 is in vivo
validation, starting on day one in rats with mechanically equivalent devices, progressing to chronic
recording with active devices in rats, and then finally progressing to implantation of 1000 devices in n=2
nonhuman primates. We believe this will realize true neural recording dust for the first time and can be
used for 1000+ channel wireless recording in primate cortex. It has the potential to revolutionize
nonhuman primate neuroscience, making it standard practice to record thousands of channels across
many cm of cortex.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10516965
- **Project number:** 1RF1NS128667-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** David Blaauw
- **Activity code:** RF1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $2,572,751
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-18 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10516965

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10516965, Optical neural motes to enable high density recording through intact dura in a nonhuman primate (1RF1NS128667-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10516965. Licensed CC0.

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