Ultra Low Power Implantable Platform for Next Generation Neural Interfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Institute of Neuroscience
Abstract
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Organisations
Publications
Barsakcioglu DY
(2014)
An analogue front-end model for developing neural spike sorting systems.
in IEEE transactions on biomedical circuits and systems
Hall TM
(2014)
A common structure underlies low-frequency cortical dynamics in movement, sleep, and sedation.
in Neuron
Luan S
(2018)
Compact standalone platform for neural recording with real-time spike sorting and data logging.
in Journal of neural engineering
Navajas J
(2014)
Minimum requirements for accurate and efficient real-time on-chip spike sorting.
in Journal of neuroscience methods
Xu W
(2019)
Sequential Neural Activity in Primary Motor Cortex during Sleep.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Xu W
(2021)
Communication from the cerebellum to the neocortex during sleep spindles.
in Progress in neurobiology
| Description | We have developed technology for long-term, low-power neural interfacing. This comprises a custom microchip capable of detecting action potentials ('spikes') in recordings from the brain. This has applications in neural implants to restore function after neurological injury, as well as in improving our scientific understanding of brain function. For example, we have recently used this technology to discover a new relationship between brain activity recorded during movement and sleep. This study has now been published in the Journal of Neuroscience. |
| Exploitation Route | We are currently exploring commercialisation opportunities for this technology, to facilitate use by other researchers. In addition the technology forms part of the EPSRC/Wellcome Trust-funded Innovative Engineering for Health project CANDO. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | The neural recording technology we have developed is currently in use for neuroscientific investigations of brain function, in particular to study the dynamics of neural networks during natural behaviour and sleep. For example, we have recently published two high-impact neuroscience publications using the technology developed in the project - Xu et al. J Neurosci 2019 demonstrating for the first time replay of daytime sequential activity during sleep in motor cortex, and Xu et al. Prog Neurobiol 2020, in which we show for the first time communication between the cerebellum and neocortex associated with sleep spindles. We are also assisting other researchers in using this system in their own research, for example S Kennerley (UCL). In future the technology developed may form part of neural prosthetics devices to restore function after neurological injury or disease, e.g. spinal cord injury, stroke, epilepsy. Our patent on the underlying technology has recently been granted in the US, and we are in discussions about forming a spin-out company to commercialise this and related technology. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
| Sector | Electronics,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Innovative Engineering for Health - CANDO |
| Amount | £10,000,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 102037/Z/13/Z |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2014 |
| End | 07/2021 |
| Title | IMPLANTABLE NEURAL INTERFACE |
| Description | A neural interface arrangement comprising: a plurality of probes for subdural implantation into or onto a human brain, each probe including at least one sensing electrode, a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry coupled to the sensing electrode(s), and means for wirelessly transmitting data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrode(s); an array of coils for implantation above the dura, beneath the skull, the array of coils being for inductively coupling with the coil of each of the plurality of probes, for transmitting power to the probes; and a primary (e.g. subcutaneous) coil connected to the array of coils, the primary coil being for inductively coupling with an external transmitter device, for receiving power from the external transmitter device; wherein, in use, the primary coil is operable to receive power from the external transmitter device by inductive coupling and to cause the array of coils to transmit power to the plurality of probes by inductive coupling; and wherein, in use, the plurality of probes are operable to wirelessly transmit data-carrying signals arising from the sensing electrodes. |
| IP Reference | WO2017199052 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Not at present |
| Title | SYSTEM FOR A BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE |
| Description | The invention provides a two-step approach to providing a BCI system. In a first step the invention provides a low-power implantable platform for amplifying and filtering the extracellular recording, performing analogue to digital conversion (ADC) and detecting action potentials in real-time, which is connected to a remote device capable of performing the processor-intensive tasks of feature extraction and spike classification, thus generating a plurality of predetermined templates for each neuron to be used in a second processing step. In the second step the low-power implantable platform amplifies and filters the extracellular recording, performs ADC and detects action potentials, which can be matched on-chip to the predetermined templates generated by the external receiver in the first step. This two-step approach exploits the advantages of both offline and online processing, providing an effective and safe method for performing multiple recordings of single-neuron activity, for research or monitoring applications or for control of a remote device. |
| IP Reference | WO2015114347 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2015 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Not at present |