A Method for Large Scale Implantation of 3D Microdevice Ensembles into the Brain

Sigurdsson, Stefan Alexis

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Year:: 2021
Contributor:: Sigurdsson, Stefan Alexis (creator); Nurmikko, Arto (Advisor); Borton, David (Reader); Tripathi, Anubhav (Reader); Mathiowitz, Edith (Reader); Brown University. School of Engineering (sponsor)
Genre:: theses
Subject:: Polyethylene glycol; Cerebral cortex; Microfabrication; Implantation; Explantation
Extent:: xviii, 175 p.

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Abstract:: Wireless networks of implantable microscale devices are being explored as a means of recording and stimulation of neural activity for various therapeutic applications. Beyond the requirement of integrating multiple electronic or chemical functions into the small microdevice volumes, an important challenge is the development of a method for implantation of large numbers of these devices into nervous tissue with minimal damage. To that end, I have developed a method of implantation, in addition to a scalable microfabrication process, to enable high-throughput implantation of 100-200 micrometer size microdevices into the cerebral cortex. The method employs a 2-dimensional array of polyethylene glycol microneedles which constrain the microdevices to the tips of a supporting array structure. Upon insertion of this structure into tissue the polyethylene glycol needles dissolve, leaving the microdevices embedded and allowing the supporting structure to be retrieved. For assessment of the effectiveness of the method, I have used passive spherical and planar microparticles as proxy microdevices. The spatial precision and throughput of the method were assessed under acute conditions for implantation of microparticles in agarose and in rodents. I have also assessed the tissue injury produced by the method of implantation under chronic conditions in the rat cortex. My experimental results indicate that the method is suitable for large scale implantation of microscale devices, justifying further efforts towards development of technologies that employ such devices.
Notes:: Thesis (Ph. D.)--Brown University, 2021

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Citation

Sigurdsson, Stefan Alexis, "A Method for Large Scale Implantation of 3D Microdevice Ensembles into the Brain" (2021). Engineering Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:9634ukmc/

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Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations for the Engineering department.
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