Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods related to electroencephalography (EEG) electrode arrays. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods relating to the manufacture and use of high-resolution electrocorticography (ECOG) electrode arrays and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode arrays having various combinations and arrangements of microelectrodes and macroelectrodes for recording and modulating nervous system activity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-molded electrode having multiple individually addressable sensors along a shaft can include forming a recess in a mold substrate, depositing a structural material therein, depositing a conductive material at specific locations, providing a coating, and removing the mold substrate. A micro-molded electrode having a base tapering to at least one shaft can include an electrode substrate, multiple individually addressable sensors, and a coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-molded electrode (160) having multiple individually addressable sensors (140) along a shaft (180) can include forming a recess in a mold substrate, depositing a structural material therein, depositing a conductive material at specific locations, providing a coating (190), and removing the mold substrate. A micro-molded electrode (160) having a base (170) tapering to at least one shaft (180) can include an electrode substrate, multiple individually addressable sensors (140), and a coating (190).

Abstract: A multi-site electrode array (100) can include a microneedle array and a set of electrically active sites (115). The microneedle array includes a plurality of microneedles (105) supported on a base substrate (110). The set of electrically active sites (115) can be arranged at and/or near the tip of each microneedle (105), and in many cases along a shaft of the microneedles. Further, at least a portion of the active sites (115) can be independently electrically addressable such that a remaining portion of the active sites (115) are optionally electrically shunted together. In some cases all of the active sites (115) are independently electrically addressable.

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include an electrode substrate electrically connected to at least one electrode. The device can have a pseudoporous surface across the electrode substrate and electrode. This surface can result in a real surface area (RSA) greater than the geometric surface area (GSA) of the device. The pseudoporous surface can be a macroporous surface enabling a charge injection capacity greater than 1 mC/cm2 while minimizing rejection of the device by surrounding tissue in chronic implant applications. The electrode can be a thin layer of conductive material, such as platinum or another metal, conformally deposited on the pseudoporous surface of the electrode substrate. A method of making the implantable device can include forming the device having an electrode substrate and at least one electrode electrically coupled to the electrode substrate, and forming a pseudoporous surface on the electrode substrate and electrode.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio shadow mask and a method of making and using the high aspect ratio shadow mask can provide multiple conductive trace pathways along high aspect ratio electrodes. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can include a substantially planar base layer and a plurality of hollow high aspect ratio projections extending from the substantially planar base layer. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can further include a plurality of openings along the hollow projections which define trace deposition patterns.

Abstract: Technology for a neural interface is described. The neural interface can include an intracranial electrode grid operable to detect neural activity. The neural interface can include a subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit operable to process the neural activity in order to obtain digital neural activity information. The neural interface can include a cable connecting the intracranial electrode grid and the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit. The neural interface can include a wired connector attached to the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit that is operable to transmit the digital neural activity information from the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit to an external signal processing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition suitable for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes having 2-8 carbon atoms comprising silico-zinc aluminate, wherein the relative molar ratios of the elements comprised in said composition are represented by SixZn1-xAl2O4, wherein x stands for a number in the range from 0.003 to 0.76. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said catalyst composition, to a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, preferably isobutane using said catalyst and to the use of said catalyst in a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio shadow mask and a method of making and using the high aspect ratio shadow mask can provide multiple conductive trace pathways along high aspect ratio electrodes. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can include a substantially planar base layer and a plurality of hollow high aspect ratio projections extending from the substantially planar base layer. The high aspect ratio shadow mask can further include a plurality of openings along the hollow projections which define trace deposition patterns.

Abstract: A multi-site electrode array (100) can include a microneedle array and a set of electrically active sites (115). The microneedle array includes a plurality of microneedles (105) supported on a base substrate (110). The set of electrically active sites (115) can be arranged at and/or near the tip of each microneedle (105), and in many cases along a shaft of the microneedles. Further, at least a portion of the active sites (115) can be independently electrically addressable such that a remaining portion of the active sites (115) are optionally electrically shunted together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-molded electrode (160) having multiple individually addressable sensors (140) along a shaft (180) can include forming a recess in a mold substrate, depositing a structural material therein, depositing a conductive material at specific locations, providing a coating (190), and removing the mold substrate. A micro-molded electrode (160) having a base (170) tapering to at least one shaft (180) can include an electrode substrate, multiple individually addressable sensors (140), and a coating (190).

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include an electrode substrate electrically connected to at least one electrode. The device can have a pseudoporous surface across the electrode substrate and electrode. This surface can result in a real surface area (RSA) greater than the geometric surface area (GSA) of the device. The pseudoporous surface can be a macroporous surface enabling a charge injection capacity greater than 1 mC/cm2 while minimizing rejection of the device by surrounding tissue in chronic implant applications. The electrode can be a thin layer of conductive material, such as platinum or another metal, conformally deposited on the pseudoporous surface of the electrode substrate. A method of making the implantable device can include forming the device having an electrode substrate and at least one electrode electrically coupled to the electrode substrate, and forming a pseudoporous surface on the electrode substrate and electrode.

Abstract: Technology for a neural interface is described. The neural interface can include an intracranial electrode grid operable to detect neural activity. The neural interface can include a subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit operable to process the neural activity in order to obtain digital neural activity information. The neural interface can include a cable connecting the intracranial electrode grid and the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit. The neural interface can include a wired connector attached to the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit that is operable to transmit the digital neural activity information from the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit to an external signal processing device.

Abstract: A micro-needle array having tips disposed along a non-planar surface is formed by shaping the wafer surface into a non-planar surface to define the tips of the micro-needles. A plurality of trenches are cut into the wafer to form a plurality of columns having tops corresponding to the non-planar surface. The columns are rounded and sharpened by etching to form the micro-needles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition suitable for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes having 2-8 carbon atoms comprising silico-zinc aluminate, wherein the relative molar ratios of the elements comprised in said composition are represented by SixZn1-xAl2O4, wherein x stands for a number in the range from 0.003 to 0.76. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said catalyst composition, to a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, preferably isobutane using said catalyst and to the use of said catalyst in a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sub-millimeter scale curved surface on a substrate (10) includes cutting a plurality of trenches (12) of varying depth into the substrate (10). The depth of the trenches (12) corresponds to a desired surface profile. The substrate (10) is etched to remove material left (16) between the trenches to form the curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides microelectrode array stabilizing devices and associated methods. A microelectrode array stabilizing device includes a first microelectrode array substrate having a plurality of first microelectrodes configured to penetrate tissue. A plurality of first interlocking structures are coupled to the first microelectrode array substrate, with each of the plurality of first interlocking structures including a first interlocking mechanism at a distal end. The device may further include a second microelectrode array substrate which optionally has a plurality of second microelectrodes configured to penetrate tissue. A plurality of second interlocking structures are coupled to the second microelectrode array substrate, each of the plurality of second interlocking structures including a second interlocking mechanism at a distal end. The second interlocking mechanism is complimentary to the first interlocking mechanism.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating needle arrays on a wafer scale include etching a wafer of columns and needles and coating the same with an electrically insulating material and exposing electrically conductive tips. This process can benefit from using a slow spin speed to distribute resist material across the wafer before etching and using a carrier wafer to support singulated arrays to allow full coverage of upper array surfaces with electrically insulating materials. These processes allow for efficient high volume production of high count microelectrode arrays with a high repeatability and accuracy.