CMU Array: 3D Printed Customizable Neural Probes

ABSTRACT:

Neural probes that can be customized to record electrophysiological signals from the 3D volume of the brain are needed for study-specific neuroscience experiments. In this research, we present a new class of structurally robust, low-cost, high-density MEAs, capable of recording from several mm3 volume of tissue. The probes are fully customizable with the individual shanks having arbitrary heights controlled by a CAD program. The diameter of each shank - as small as 10um - also help reduce tissue damage and facilitate insertion. This advance in neural activity sampling will enable new experimental paradigms that will establish the interactions of individual neurons across the brain.

BIOGRAPHY:

Prof. Panat completed his PhD in TAM from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 2004. He joined Intel’s R&D unit in Chandler, AZ, where he worked for 10 years on microprocessor manufacturing R&D - specifically on 3D heterogeneous integration. At Intel, Dr. Panat led a team of engineers that developed world’s first halogen-free IC chip. He returned to academia in 2014 and joined CMU in fall 2017. He has obtained > $8 million in research funding from US Intelligence agencies, USAF, US Army, ARPA-H, NIH, DOE, and NSF. He codirects the Manufacturing Futures Institute, a $60M endeavour at CMU. He is cofounder of Power 3D, a CMU Li-ion battery startup.