# Engineering the Neuronal Response to Electrical Microstimulation

> **NIH NIH U01** · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $946,958

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Our proposed efforts align directly with a goal of RFA-NS-18-019: optimization of transformative technologies
for modulation in the nervous system. Specifically, we seek to optimize microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and
ultra-microelectrode arrays (UMEAs) for large-scale circuit manipulation that will control neural activity at
cellular resolution with high temporal resolution. Our goals are to 1) advance CNS MEA and UMEA electrical
microstimulation by testing the separate hypotheses that MEAs and UMEAs can deliver safe, effective levels of
cortical electrical stimulation and 2) advance research by generating transformative tools and technologies that
will be widely used throughout the research community. Here we propose combining computational modeling,
engineering optimization, and in vivo measurement to address these challenges and produce advances in
microstimulation and tools for the community. Our Aims are to 1) engineer approaches to non-damaging
charge, 2) engineer approaches to enable selective and graded activation of targeted neural elements, and 3)
document the performance of the innovations from Aim 1 and Aim 2. Via an outstanding team working together
to address this interdisciplinary problem, our innovative approach will result in 1) models to deliver non-
damaging currents from MEAs and UMEAs; 2) evaluation of the models to optimize MEA and UMEA design for
microstimulation; and 3) experimental assessment of the outcomes of our designs, both within our team and
with our collaborators. Our transformative results will lead to model-based optimization of reliable and high-
fidelity multichannel microstimulation technologies enabling sustainable, broad dissemination and user-friendly
incorporation into regular neuroscience practice.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11158389
- **Project number:** 7U01NS126052-03
- **Recipient organization:** PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark E. Orazem
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $946,958
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11158389

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11158389, Engineering the Neuronal Response to Electrical Microstimulation (7U01NS126052-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11158389. Licensed CC0.

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