Futures

Advancements in Ultrasonic Neural Dust Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring of Muscle and Nerve Activity, (from page 20220904.)

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Summary

Engineers at UC Berkeley have developed millimeter-scale, wireless, batteryless “neural dust” sensors that can be implanted in muscles and peripheral nerves of rats for real-time monitoring of electromyogram (EMG) and electroneurogram (ENG) signals. Using ultrasound technology for both powering and data communication, these sensors offer a new avenue for bioelectronic therapies, enabling improved neural control of prosthetics and potential treatments for conditions like epilepsy. Unlike traditional wired electrodes, these devices promise to minimize infection risks and enhance longevity. Future research aims to miniaturize these sensors further and expand their capabilities to detect non-electrical signals. Supported by DARPA, the study represents a significant advancement in bioelectronic medicine.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Neural Dust Technology Development of wireless, batteryless sensors for real-time monitoring of nerves and muscles. Transitioning from wired, invasive methods to wireless, non-invasive monitoring techniques in medical applications. In 10 years, neural dust may enable widespread use in personalized medicine and prosthetics control. The push for less invasive, more effective medical devices that improve patient quality of life. 4
Bioelectronic Medicine Emerging field utilizing bioelectronic methods for therapeutic effects on target organs. Shift from traditional pharmacological treatments to bioelectronic solutions for various disorders. In a decade, bioelectronic medicine could replace many drug therapies, offering targeted treatment with fewer side effects. The need for more precise treatments that minimize side effects and enhance patient outcomes. 5
Ultrasound Technology in Medicine Using ultrasound to power and communicate with implanted devices. Moving from traditional radio frequency communication to ultrasound for deeper tissue penetration. Ultrasound may become the standard for powering and communicating with deep-tissue medical devices. Advancements in ultrasound technology and its applications in non-invasive medical procedures. 4
Miniaturization of Medical Devices Continued efforts to scale down neural dust sensors for better integration in the body. Changing from larger, intrusive devices to tiny, implantable sensors that can monitor specific nerve activity. In 10 years, miniature sensors could enable seamless integration into the human body for monitoring various health metrics. The demand for less invasive health monitoring solutions that improve patient comfort and outcomes. 4
Chronic Use of Bioelectronic Devices Focus on developing long-lasting bioelectronics suitable for chronic conditions. Evolving from temporary solutions to long-term, stable bioelectronic implants for chronic disease management. In a decade, chronic conditions may be managed with durable, wireless bioelectronic devices, improving patient quality of life. The need for effective long-term management solutions for chronic diseases. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Biocompatibility and Longevity of Neural Dust Sensors Risks related to long-term biocompatibility and degradation of sensors in body, potentially affecting patient health. 4
Data Privacy and Security in Medical Devices Concerns over the security of wireless data communication from implanted sensors, including patient data privacy. 5
Ethical Implications of Neural Monitoring Ethical issues surrounding the implications of constant neural and muscular monitoring and potential misuse of the technology. 5
Dependence on Technology for Bodily Functions Potential societal concerns regarding dependency on bioelectronic devices for basic bodily functions and health management. 3
Regulatory Challenges for New Medical Technologies Possible challenges in obtaining regulatory approval for novel implantable technologies and their applications. 4
Health Risks from Ultrasound Exposure Concerns regarding potential health impacts of long-term exposure to ultrasound used for powering and communication. 4
Inequity in Access to Advanced Medical Technologies Risk that advanced bioelectronic therapies become accessible only to certain populations, increasing healthcare disparities. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Wireless Biomedical Monitoring Development of wireless, batteryless sensors for real-time monitoring of nerve and muscle activity in living organisms. 5
Electroceuticals Utilization of bioelectronic methods to treat disorders by stimulating nerves and muscles directly, minimizing invasive procedures. 5
Neural Prosthetics Control Enabling paraplegics and individuals with neural disorders to control devices through direct neural stimulation, improving quality of life. 5
Ultrasound-Based Communication Using ultrasound technology for powering and transmitting data from implanted devices, overcoming limitations of radio waves. 4
Miniaturized Biocompatible Devices Creating smaller, more durable bioelectronic sensors that can be implanted in various body locations without degradation. 4
Non-Electrical Signal Detection Expanding sensors’ capabilities to detect non-electrical signals like oxygen or hormone levels for enhanced monitoring. 3

Technologies

description relevancy src
Ultrasonic, batteryless sensors for real-time monitoring of neural and muscle signals, enabling electroceuticals and improved prosthetic control. 5 feadfd4aa3133e938a6f6e6d7d2c018e
Bioelectronic methods to monitor and record electromyogram and electroneurogram signals, potentially treating disorders like epilepsy. 5 feadfd4aa3133e938a6f6e6d7d2c018e
Systems that use ultrasound for powering and communicating with implanted bioelectronics, offering high-fidelity signal transmission. 4 feadfd4aa3133e938a6f6e6d7d2c018e
Miniaturized sensors that can be implanted throughout the body for continuous monitoring of specific nerve axons. 4 feadfd4aa3133e938a6f6e6d7d2c018e
Technology to focus ultrasonic signals on individual sensors, enhancing the ability to gather specific data from motes. 3 feadfd4aa3133e938a6f6e6d7d2c018e

Issues

name description relevancy
Neural Dust Technology Development of wireless, batteryless neural dust sensors for real-time monitoring of neural and muscle activity. 4
Bioelectronic Medicine Emerging field focused on using bioelectronics for therapeutic interventions in the body, particularly through neural modulation. 5
Ultrasound for Medical Applications Use of ultrasound technology to power and communicate with implanted devices, offering advantages over traditional radio waves. 4
Chronic Use of Neural Interfaces Challenges and innovations related to the chronic implantation of neural interfaces without causing infections or degradation. 5
Miniaturization of Medical Devices Efforts to further miniaturize implantable devices for better integration and functionality within the body. 4
Expansion of Sensor Capabilities Research on enhancing sensors to detect non-electrical signals such as oxygen or hormone levels for broader diagnostics. 3
DARPA’s ElectRx Program Government-sponsored research into chronic biosensing and neuromodulation technologies. 4