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Optimization of Flexible Neural Probe Arrays for Multi-Region Recordings in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates

Award Number: U01NS126046
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2026

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Optimization of Flexible Neural Probe Arrays for Multi-Region Recordings in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates - A core goal of the BRAIN Initiative is to link neural activity to behavior which requires technology to acquire high-quality recordings of dynamic neural activity from different brain regions over time. To achieve this core goal, this optimization proposal will address the most pressing areas of technology development to enable the dissemination of polymer microelectrode arrays with such capability and promote their integration into neuroscience research practice. Polymer-based neural interfaces can achieve high-quality recordings over a year or more which is attributed to the greater stability of the device-tissue interface compared to more rigid metallic wire and silicon-based neural interfaces. Another distinct advantage is that the same microfabrication technology can be used to produce batches of surface and penetrating electrode arrays with carefully controlled features with micron and submicron dimensional precision. Microfabricated polymer probes are already available in limited designs having shank lengths of 10 mm or less and therefore predominantly used in rats. This technology needs to be extended for access to deeper brain regions in rodents and a wide range of brain targets in larger animals, including nonhuman primates, an important model in neuroscience and preclinical research. Existing device designs such as the prototype arrays previously developed for the rat hippocampus cannot simply be scale up or down to expand access to brain regions across different species. Instead, careful design is required in collaboration with users to meet space and weight requirements as well as workflow requirements to achieve precise placement at the desired depth. Therefore, this proposal tackles the necessary optimization of the previously developed technology to enable a library of designs that will enable their use in different animal models and to target different brain regions. Another goal is to develop the appropriate insertion methods for reliably placing electrodes at the desired depth and targeted region. Once the passive recording arrays and the matching surgical insertion methods are developed and optimized at the benchtop, these will be evaluated in mice, rats, and NHPs. Overall, this proposal not only addresses optimization but further advances in polymer microelectrode array technology for neural interfaces. This will enable early dissemination of polymer array systems for large-scale monitoring and manipulation of neural activity in collaboration with early adopters and demonstration of high-quality recordings obtained in multiple species over long periods that will attract additional users. Successful demonstration will facilitate our long-term goal of realizing the wide dissemination of reliable chronic neural interfaces across different neural tissues and species.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $1,362,335 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90033	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	12/6/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,362,335
														Subtotal = $1,362,335

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $1,132,589 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	2	11/29/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	11/28/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,132,589
														Subtotal = $1,132,589

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2023	2022	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	1	7/28/2023	NEW	$0
2023	2022	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90007	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	11/3/2022	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $1,435,983 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90007	LOS ANGELES	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	7/26/2022	NEW	$1,435,983
														Subtotal = $1,435,983

Grand Total All Awards = $3,930,907

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Optimization of Flexible Neural Probe Arrays for Multi-Region Recordings in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates

Award Number: U01NS126046

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/30/2026

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