# Next Generation Neural Interfaces Based on Axonal Confinement in Micro-Channel Electrode Arrays

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $196,250

## Abstract

Project Summary
 In order to map large-scale brain activity and understand and treat neurological disorders, there is a common
need for biomedical tools that can monitor and modulate neural activity. Despite many other alternatives, the
electrophysiology which directly records the on-going electrical activity in circuit elements remains a powerful
tool for investigating the neural function and dysfunction. The long term goal of this project is to develop a
lifetime-stable, scalable, multifunctional, and magnetic resonance imaging-compatible neuron-electrode
interface that enables high-fidelity recordings and high-precision stimulation. The central approach is to employ
an entirely novel technique established on ensheathing axons within μChannels (channels with micrometer
dimensions) that enclose printed electrodes. The main hypothesis is that the axons growing through micron-
scale channels can spontaneously form an electrical seal that isolates the axonal membrane patches to yield
high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) recording and immunity to mechanical vibrations or gliotic encapsulation of the
electrodes. The rationale of this study is based on preliminary studies, in which during an action potential, the
transmembrane current of ion-channels in the axonal membrane (patched inside the μChannel) is forced to go
through the axial resistive path of the μChannel. The in-channel growth of axons increases this resistance and
enhances the SNR per Ohm's law. Thus, contrary to the case for conventional electrodes, any additional
resistance increase due to gliotic coverage should not reduce SNR, but instead enhance it. The design also
should provide chronically-stable recordings from the same units for several years to life-time, since axons
trapped in the μChannel are likely to be immune to either mechanical vibration or gliosis. The immediate
objective is to identify μChannel geometries and soluble cues that promote axonal growth inside the μChannel
to maintain a robust ionic seal, which requires the development of novel high-throughput screening modalities.
To that end, we will specifically (i) employ microfabrication techniques to create a library of μChannel
geometries and incorporate nanoporous electrodes that are capable of high fidelity recordings and in situ
release of neurotropic factors; (ii) screen for optical μChannel geometries and soluble factors in combination
with an in vitro cortical neuron-astrocyte coculture model to ensure axonal growth into the channels and a
spontaneous seal; and (iii) evaluate the performance of a prototype device that displays the successful
geometries using an organotypic brain slice model. The expected outcome of the project is a novel class of
neural devices that are scalable for large-scale monitoring and modulation of brain activity in animal models
and human subjects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9850589
- **Project number:** 5R21EB024635-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Erkin Seker
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $196,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9850589

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9850589, Next Generation Neural Interfaces Based on Axonal Confinement in Micro-Channel Electrode Arrays (5R21EB024635-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9850589. Licensed CC0.

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