Ceramic based multi-site electrode arrays and methods for their production

• US 20020106496A1
• Filed: 10/19/2001
• Published: 08/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Drexel University
• Original Assignee: Philadelphia Health and Education Corp (Drexel University)
• Inventors: Moxon, Karen Anne, Chapin, John K.
• Granted Patent: US 6,834,200 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/210
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/685 Microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0529 Electrodes for brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0306 Inorganic insulating substrates, e.g. ceramic, glass
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/117 Pads along the edge of rigid circuit boards, e.g. for pluggable connectors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24926 including ceramic, glass, porcelain or quartz layer

Abstract

Ceramic based multi-site electrode arrays of a polished ceramic substrate patterned with recording sites and bonding pads which are connected via conducting lines are provided. Methods for producing these electrode arrays and using the electrode arrays to record or stimulate multiple neurons in a mammal are also provided.

Claims

1. A ceramic based multi-site electrode array comprising a polished ceramic substrate patterned with recording sites and bonding pads which are connected via conducting lines.

2. The ceramic based multi-site electrode array of claim 1 further comprising insulation layered over the conducting lines.

3. The ceramic based multi-site electrode array of claim 2 wherein the insulation comprises Al₂O₃.

4. The ceramic based multi-site electrode array of claim 3 wherein the Al₂O₃ is ionized using a process of ion-beam assisted deposition prior to layering over the conducting lines.

5. A method for producing a ceramic based multi-site electrode array of claim 1 comprising:

(a) patterning a ceramic substrate with recording sites, conducting lines and bonding sites by reverse photolithography;

(b) applying a metal conductor to the ceramic substrate; and

(c) applying an insulating layer to the conducting lines.

6. A method for recording or stimulating multiple neurons simultaneously in mammal comprising implanting the ceramic based multi-site electrode array of claim 1 into a mammal.