ABSTRACT

In the fields of neural prosthetics and neural engineering there are several viable contenders for the prize of best long-term electrode to access cortical control signals for restoration of communication and movement in humans. These contenders can be classified into three main groups. The first group includes those who have developed tiny tines that are driven into the cortex and provide signals for months and sometimes years [1, 10, 11]. The second group produces flexible wires that are inserted into the cortex and also provide signals for months and sometimes years [2]. The third type of electrode is also a wire configuration but allows for growth of the brain’s neuropil into the hollow glass tip of the electrode. Robust signals have been recorded for years from this neurotrophic electrode [5]. Thus, these electrodes can be classified into (1) those that protrude towards neurons and (2) the neurotrophic electrode that welcomes the neurites into its tip and thus fuses with the neuropil.