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  1. Abstract

    Objective.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of micromagnetic stimuli strength and frequency from theMagneticPen(MagPen) on the rat right sciatic nerve. The nerve’s response was measured by recording muscle activity and movement of the right hind limb.Approach.The MagPen was custom-built to be stably held over the sciatic nerve. Rat leg muscle twitches were captured on video, and movements were extracted using image processing algorithms. EMG recordings were also used to measure muscle activity.Main results.The MagPen prototype, when driven by an alternating current, generates a time-varying magnetic field, which, according to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, induces an electric field for neuromodulation. The orientation-dependent spatial contour maps of the induced electric field from the MagPen prototype have been numerically simulated. Furthermore, in thisin vivowork onµMS, a dose-response relationship has been reported by experimentally studying how varying the amplitude (Range: 25 mVp-pthrough 6Vp-p) and frequency (range: 100 Hz through 5 kHz) of the MagPen stimuli alters hind limb movement. The primary highlight of this dose-response relationship (repeated overnrats, wheren= 7) is that for aµMS stimuli of higher frequency, significantly smaller amplitudes can trigger hind limb muscle twitch. This frequency-dependent activation can be justified by Faraday’s Law, which states that the magnitude of the induced electric field is directly proportional to the frequency.Significance.This work reports thatµMS can successfully activate the sciatic nerve in a dose-dependent manner. The impact of this dose-response curve addresses the controversy in this research community about whether the stimulation from theseμcoils arise from a thermal effect or micromagnetic stimulation. MagPen probes do not have a direct electrochemical interface with tissue and therefore do not experience electrode degradation, biofouling, and irreversible redox reactions like traditional direct contact electrodes. Magnetic fields from theμcoils create more precise activation than electrodes because they apply more focused and localized stimulation. Finally, unique features ofµMS, such as the orientation dependence, directionality, and spatial specificity, have been discussed.

     
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  2. Abstract

    Implanted neural stimulation and recording devices hold vast potential to treat a variety of neurological conditions, but the invasiveness, complexity, and cost of the implantation procedure greatly reduce access to an otherwise promising therapeutic approach. To address this need, a novel electrode that begins as an uncured, flowable prepolymer that can be injected around a neuroanatomical target to minimize surgical manipulation is developed. Referred to as the Injectrode, the electrode conforms to target structures forming an electrically conductive interface which is orders of magnitude less stiff than conventional neuromodulation electrodes. To validate the Injectrode, detailed electrochemical and microscopy characterization of its material properties is performed and the feasibility of using it to stimulate the nervous system electrically in rats and swine is validated. The silicone‐metal‐particle composite performs very similarly to pure wire of the same metal (silver) in all measures, including exhibiting a favorable cathodic charge storage capacity (CSCC) and charge injection limits compared to the clinical LivaNova stimulation electrode and silver wire electrodes. By virtue of its simplicity, the Injectrode has the potential to be less invasive, more robust, and more cost‐effective than traditional electrode designs, which could increase the adoption of neuromodulation therapies for existing and new indications.

     
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