Wireless, Battery-Free and Fully Implantable Neural Recorder for Non-Human Primates

Recent advances in brain neural interfaces including wireless, battery-free, and fully implantable device with optimized wireless power transfer technology have led to extensive applications in neuroscience research. However, most neuro-engineering studies have been limited to small-animal models such as rodents. It poses significant technical challenges to design an all-in-one miniaturized neural recorder for non-human primates (NHPs) that concurrently captures real-time brain signals, stores data on a remote server, and integrates multiple device functions such as efficient wireless power reception, wireless communication, and device control, as well as multimodal signal acquisition. To address these challenges, we introduce a new concept of a wireless neural recorder with unique functional thin layers operates by receiving wireless power from magnetic coupled double coils based wireless power transfer system with multi-channel flexible neural probe for studying instinctive behavior in primates.<br/><br/>The integration of wireless, battery-free technologies in neuroscience research has ushered in a new era of neurobehavioral analysis, particularly in the study of instinctive behaviours in non-human primates (NHPs). Our neural recorder, designed for deployment under the scalp of awake, freely moving NHPs, exemplifies this shift. This device, notable for its low power consumption (~25 mW), facilitates the real-time monitoring of neural signals from deep brain structures. Coupled with a custom smartphone application, it enables the synchronous collection of neurobehavioral data, transforming these signals into meaningful biomarkers through advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI). This process not only enriches our understanding of the brain's functional dynamics but also opens new avenues for identifying digital biomarkers that are crucial for deciphering complex neurobehavioral states.<br/><br/>The neural recorder itself is a testament to the advancements in flexible bioelectronics, featuring a long, flexible neural probe with 32 electrodes capable of delving into the brain's depths to capture neural activity. Its architecture is meticulously designed to ensure minimal invasiveness and optimal signal quality, thanks to a novel combination of materials and structural innovations. The system's ability to harness wireless power and communicate data wirelessly eliminates the need for cumbersome batteries and wires, ensuring the device's seamless integration into the subject's natural movements. Furthermore, the sophisticated power transfer mechanism extends the operational range, allowing for uninterrupted data collection even in dynamic and unrestricted environments. This level of technological integration not only facilitates continuous monitoring of NHPs' natural behaviours but also significantly reduces the potential for stress or discomfort that could skew the collected data.<br/><br/>Our approach goes beyond mere data collection; it leverages AI to analyze and classify neurobehavioral states, providing a deeper understanding of the physiological underpinnings of behaviours like eating. By analyzing neural and acceleration signals, we can dissect the various phases of eating behaviour, shedding light on the neural circuitry involved in these instinctive actions. This methodology not only validates the functionality of our neural interface but also offers a blueprint for future research aimed at unraveling the complex interplay between neural activity and behaviour. The potential applications of this technology extend far beyond academic inquiry, offering promising insights for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in neurology and psychiatry.