# Deploying Intracortical Electrode Arrays to Record and Stimulate in a Tissue Volume

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $475,957

## Abstract

Project Summary
The overall goal of this project is to develop a new intracortical electrode array where a flat device is inserted
that then deploys microelectrodes at controlled distances within a volume of tissue. This deployable neural
interface will overcome two critical limitations associated with recording and stimulation of the cortex: 1) each
insertion only leads to placement of electrodes at a point or along a linear path within brain tissue and 2) the
recording performance is reduced by adverse tissue response. This work will result in deployable electrode
arrays using shape-changing liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates with microelectrodes patterned by
photolithography. The LCP substrates remain flat during fabrication and processing, then deploy after
implantation to predetermined locations that are up to 200 µm away from the implantation site. The central
premise of this work is that electrode deployment from a single insertion can enable volumetric
placement of microelectrodes in mouse cortex with viable recording and stimulation capability for over
four months. The team’s published and preliminary data demonstrate the feasibility of creating deployable
electrode arrays using shape-changing liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates with microelectrodes patterned
by photolithography. To realize this premise, three specific aims are proposed: 1) Fabricate and characterize
deployable electrode arrays, 2) Characterize the foreign body response elicited by deploying microelectrode
arrays, and 3) Characterize deploying microelectrode arrays by chronic recording and measuring
electrochemical performance of the electrodes. The team brings together the necessary expertise in materials
and microfabrication (PI Ware) and neural interface design and characterization (Co-I Pancrazio), and
histological response to implanted devices (Co-I Capadona).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10832045
- **Project number:** 5R01NS131502-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Taylor H Ware
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $475,957
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-05-01 → 2028-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10832045

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10832045, Deploying Intracortical Electrode Arrays to Record and Stimulate in a Tissue Volume (5R01NS131502-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10832045. Licensed CC0.

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