A Chinese research team has made a groundbreaking advancement by developing an innovative flexible fiber electrode. When implanted into an animal's brain, this electrode can be precisely controlled in its movement. Moreover, it functions effectively within the animal's muscle tissue over extended periods, presenting a cutting-edge sensing tool for brain-computer interface technology. The team's research findings have been published in the prestigious journal Nature.
Traditional flexible electrodes, once implanted into the brain, lack the capability for dynamic adjustment. To overcome this limitation, the researchers introduced innovative modifications to the electrode's structure and manufacturing process. They achieved this by curling a two-dimensional electrode array into a fiber-like shape, integrating it with 60 acquisition channels, and embedding magnetic induction components. These enhancements enable the electrode to move under the guidance of a magnetic field.
The electrode's movement capabilities and long-term functionality have been rigorously validated through animal experiments. This breakthrough offers promising solutions for clinical applications, particularly in the realm of brain-computer interfaces, paving the way for future advancements in this field.