Designing a Cost-Effective Reusable Shuttle Guide for Flexible Neural Probe Insertion

Presenter: Stephanie Chang

Faculty Sponsor: Jun Yao

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, Auditorium, A21

ABSTRACT

The invention of flexible mesh neural probes has allowed the reduction of chronic tissue damage and improvement long-term signal stability, yet their extreme softness and flexibility make insertion much more technically challenging, bending and crumpling upon tissue impact. To counter this, researchers have introduced mechanical reinforcement strategies for neural probes to enable reliable and precise insertion while preserving minimal invasiveness and reducing foreign body response. This project aims to design a cost-effective, proof-of-concept, and reusable shuttle guide to aid the insertion of an injectable ultra-flexible mesh electronic neural probe. First we have prototyped a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of a shuttle structure. A preliminary stainless steel shuttle with a thickness of 25.4 µm has been fabricated and cut for initial evaluation. Additional candidate materials are still being explored, along with their methods of fabrication. A bioadhesive material is under investigation for temporary bonding of the probe to the shuttle guide during insertion. Finally, the fully assembled insertion system will be carefully inserted and tested in a hydrogel solution that mimics the brain tissue. Although experimental validation is still in progress, the proposed system prioritizes low cost, reusability, and ease of fabrication. By improving accessibility and prioritizing design simplicity, this work has the potential to support broader research and encourage educational engagement in neural interface technologies, contributing to the advancement, development, and implementation of neural probes.