# US 9,433,787 B2 · Flexible-base electrode array and surrogate neural tissue

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- Number: US 9,433,787 B2
- Document ID: US9433787B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/657,552
- Filed: 2012-10-22
- Published: 2013-06-06
- Granted: 2016-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2011-10-21
- Assignees: The Governors of the University of Alberta
- Applicants: The Governors of the University of Alberta
- Inventors: Anastasia Elias; Vivian Mushahwar; Walied Moussa; Cheng Cheng; Imad Khaled; Kathryn Todd
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9433787B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/36103: {Neuro-rehabilitation; Repair or reorganisation of neural tissue, e.g. after stroke}
- A61B 5/24: Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B 5/685: {Microneedles}
- A61B 5/6877: {Nerve}
- A61N 1/0551: {Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes}
- A61B 2562/125: characterised by the manufacture of electrodes
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A flexible-base electrode array for implantation within neural tissue, method of making the electrode array and use thereof, is provided. A surrogate neural tissue, method of making same and use thereof, is further provided. The use of the present flexible-base electrode array for implantation into the surrogate neural tissue for stimulation or recording neural activity, wherein the array is biocompatible with the surrogate tissue.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An electrode array for implantation in a target neural tissue, the array comprising:
a flexible biocompatible elastomer base having a modulus of elasticity of up to approximately 150 MPa; and
at least one microwire electrode protruding from the base, for implantation into and biocompatible with the target neural tissue;
wherein the base interfaces with the surface of the target neural tissue and the electrodes penetrate into the target neural tissue.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of rows having at least one electrode.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The array of claim 2, wherein the base comprises two rows of at least one electrode.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the base is equal to or greater than the target neural tissue.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the base is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the base is made of silicone elastomer.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The array of claim 6, wherein the silicone elastomer is MED 6215.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a temporary handle.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the target tissue is brain or spinal cord.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

A method of fabricating the flexible-base electrode array of claim 1.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

A method of implementing the flexible-base electrode array disclosed in claim 1 comprising stimulating or recording electrical activity in the target tissue.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the target tissue is brain, spinal cord or nerve.

### Claim 13 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, for intraspinal microstimulation.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The method of claim 13, wherein the use is long term.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity is at least less than or equal to the target neural tissue.

### Claim 16

“A method of implanting an electrode array into target neural tissue, comprising:
a) penetrating at least one microwire electrode of the electrode array into the target neural tissue;
and b) interfacing a flexible biocompatible elastomer base from which the at least one microwire electrode protrudes with a surface of the target neural tissue”.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The method of claim 16, further including:
stimulating and recording electrical activity in the target neural tissue with the electrode array.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The array of claim 1, wherein the entire portion of the microwire protruding from the base penetrates into, and is in direct contact with, the target neural tissue.

### Claim 19

An electrode array for implantation in a target neural tissue, the array comprising:
a flexible biocompatible elastomer base having a modulus of elasticity of up to approximately 150 MPa; and
at least one multi-contact cylindrical electrode protruding from the base, for implantation into and biocompatible with, the target neural tissue;
wherein the base interfaces with the surface of the target neural tissue and the electrodes penetrate into the target neural tissue.