Smart adhesive neural electrode avoids nerve damage

The electrode can encase nerves without damaging them.

Korean university, DGIST, has developed an electrode featuring soft actuation technology that allows movement from a flat 2D shape into a 3D structure.

Neural electrodes are devices that measure the electrical signals travelling through nerves. Alternatively, they stimulate nerves by transmitting small electrical currents.

They are used to assist patients with nerve damage in regaining movement and can also stimulate specific nerves to alleviate pain. However, without adequate contact between the nerve and the electrode, accurately measuring neural signals and effectively delivering the intended stimulation become difficult.

Conventional cuff electrodes wrap around the nerve securely. However, because nerves are smooth, wire-like structures, cuff electrodes tend to slip or rotate. To prevent this, the electrodes must be tightly fastened, which can compress the nerve, reducing blood flow and potentially causing damage.

To address these challenges, the DGIST research team has developed a soft-actuated cuff electrode that allows the electrode to bend autonomously and wrap around the nerve.

The novel electrode softly conforms to the nerve, allowing it to be securely fixed without the need for sutures.

Unlike conventional electrodes, this design maintains firm adhesion without requiring excessive tightening around nerves, which makes it safer for long-term use. The research team has incorporated a 3D convex structure that reduces the direct contact area with the nerve while enhancing adhesion, thereby enabling clearer neural signal detection without the risk of nerve damage.

The team has conducted long-term experiments to test the electrode's performance on peripheral nerves, demonstrating accurate neural signal measurement without causing damage.