Researchers at Rice University in the United States have introduced a groundbreaking device that utilizes fast-moving liquids to insert flexible, conductive carbon nanotube fibers into the brain. This innovative approach aims to record neuronal activity with greater precision and less damage to brain tissue. The microfluidic technology offers a promising advancement in electrode sensing, potentially offering new hope for patients suffering from epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Scientists believe that these nanotube-based electrodes could eventually help uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive functions and enable direct communication between the brain and external devices, allowing patients to see, hear, or control prosthetics more effectively.
The device works by using the force of a rapidly flowing liquid to gently push the flexible, insulating fibers into the brain without causing deformation. Unlike traditional methods that rely on rigid, degradable sheaths—often leading to damage to delicate brain tissue—this technique ensures a gentler insertion process. Experiments conducted in both lab settings and live animals have demonstrated that the microfluidic system can guide the viscous fluid around the fine fiber electrode, while the fast-flowing liquid slowly pulls the fiber through a small opening into the brain tissue. Because the tension is evenly distributed, the fiber remains straight, and the liquid does not seep into the brain through the holes.
Carbon nanotube fibers are capable of conducting electricity in all directions, but they only interact with neurons at their tips. To address this, the research team developed a specialized coating technique that insulates the nanotubes while maintaining their diameter between 15 and 30 microns—far thinner than a human hair. This design allows for better integration with neural tissues and improved signal clarity.
The researchers envision a future where multiple microelectrodes can be placed in dense arrays within the brain, making implantation safer and more efficient. Since this method causes minimal damage during insertion, it opens the door for placing a higher number of electrodes in specific brain regions, paving the way for more advanced neural interfaces and treatments.
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