Novel Neural Interface Electrode Array for the Peripheral Nerve

Abstract

Peripheral neural interface (PNI) is becoming an essential technology in the field of robotic prosthesis due to its potential for providing bidirectional neural signal communication between the prosthetic arm and the brain. However, current PNIs inefficiently trade off neural signal selectivity and the invasiveness of the device. We designed and fabricated a new PNI electrode array that has high signal selectivity yet maintains low invasiveness by incorporating a design that allows for three-dimensional spiral insertion around the peripheral nerve. The neural signal acquisition capability was confirmed through impedance measurement in vitro, and the proposed device had an average impedance of 296 +/- 52 k Omega at 1000 Hz.