Traditional neuromodulation using rigid electrodes has been limited by low precision, large stimulating currents, and the risk of tissue damage. In this work, we developed a biocompatible flexible electrode array that allows for both neural recording of spike firings and high-precision, low-threshold stimulation for neuromodulation. Combined with advanced decoding methods, we created a brain-to-brain interface that enables control of mouse behavior using human brain signals.
Abstract:
Neuromodulation is crucial for advancing neuroscience and treating neurological disorders. However, traditional methods using rigid electrodes have been limited by large stimulating currents, low precision, and the risk of tissue damage. In this work, we developed a biocompatible ultraflexible electrode array that allows for both neural recording of spike firings and low-threshold, high-precision stimulation for neuromodulation. Specifically, mouse turning behavior can be effectively induced with approximately five microamperes of stimulating current, which is significantly lower than that required by conventional rigid electrodes. The array’s densely packed microelectrodes enable highly selective stimulation, allowing precise targeting of specific brain areas critical for turning behavior. This low-current, targeted stimulation approach helps maintain the health of both neurons and electrodes, as evidenced by stable neural recordings after extended stimulations. Systematic validations have confirmed the durability and biocompatibility of the electrodes. Moreover, we extended the flexible electrode array to a brain-to-brain interface system that allows human brain signals to directly control mouse behavior. Using advanced decoding methods, a single individual can issue eight commands to simultaneously control the behaviors of two mice. This study underscores the effectiveness of the flexible electrode array in neuromodulation, opening new avenues for interspecies communication and potential neuromodulation applications.
Author list:
Yifei Ye*†, Ye Tian†, Haifeng Liu†, Jiaxuan Liu†, Cunkai Zhou, Chengjian Xu, Ting Zhou, Yanyan Nie, Yu Wu, Lunming Qin, Zhitao Zhou, Xiaoling Wei, Jianlong Zhao, Zhenyu Wang*, Meng Li*, Tiger H. Tao*, Liuyang Sun*
How to cite:
Y. Ye, Y. Tian, H. Liu, J. Liu, C. Zhou, C. Xu, T. Zhou, Y. Nie, Y. Wu, L. Qin, Z. Zhou, X. Wei, J. Zhao, Z. Wang, M. Li, T. H. Tao, L. Sun, Exploration 2025, 70040.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.70040