Smart Dura: A Functional Large-scale, High-Density Optoelectric Dura for Non-Human Primates

Project Summary
Optogenetics is a powerful tool for relating brain function to behavior because it enables cell-
type specific manipulation of neurons with millisecond temporal precision and artifact-free neural
recordings. Such capabilities are particularly needed in studies using non-human primates
(NHPs), where sophisticated behavioral techniques are commonly employed but
neurophysiological tools have lagged those used in other model species. While the use of
optogenetics in NHPs has grown rapidly in recent years, the full power of the technique requires
the ability to perform large-scale, bi-directional study of neural circuits. Systems to achieve this
have become widely used in other animal models, particularly mice, while there have been limited
systems implemented in NHPs. In this proposal, a large-scale, high-density, and stable
optoelectric neural interface (smart dura) for large brains will be developed and validated in
macaques, for the first time. This novel interface enables simultaneous electrical recording from
4096 electrodes and optical stimulation in 4096 sites over about 5 cm2 of cortex, which is more
than two orders of magnitude higher than the state-of-the-art technology. As opposed to existing
surface electrocorticography (ECoG) electrode arrays, the proposed neural interface is in the form
of an artificial dura that monolithically embeds electrical recording and optical stimulation
functionalities such that it can permanently replace the native dura as a chronic, seamless neural
interface, while maintaining the natural cranial pressure. Therefore, this novel design combines
the best of passive/static artificial dura windows and functional surface electrode arrays in one
unified platform. The proposed smart dura enables long-term recording, provides new
opportunities for creating sophisticated closed-loop stimulation and recording paradigms, and
advances the development of new stimulation-based therapies. The smart dura can be implanted
as a stable port into large brains and consists of high-density recording electrodes as well as
optical micro light sources all embedded in a hybrid biocompatible polymer platform. In this
project, a novel fabrication process will be designed to implement the proposed large-scale (5
cm2) smart dura in two stages of: i) Fabricating high-density transparent electrical smart dura for
electrophysiology recording and external optical access (transparent electric dura: transparent e-
dura), enabled by high resolution interconnects (300 nm features). ii) The optoelectric dura (oe-
dura) consisting of high-density recording electrodes and embedded micro light emitting diodes
(µLEDs). In each stage of the device development, the neural interface will be tested in two
hemispheres of two monkeys, with large optogenetic expression of activating opsin (ChR2) in
sensorimotor cortex via electrophysiology recording, behavior, and imaging. The proposed smart
dura will greatly enhance the opportunities for closed-loop optogenetic experiments in macaques,
which can serve as a powerful tool for understanding brain function and for developing novel
therapeutic interventions that can be translated to humans. After successful demonstration of the
smart dura in this proposal, the results can be extended in future to i) develop even larger
interfaces that cover the whole brain for translational use ii) integrate recording, stimulation,
processing, communication and power-transfer electronics into the smart dura to enable
tetherless chronic neural interfacing with freely-moving subjects.

Grant Number: 5R01NS116464-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Maysamreza Chamanzar