Patent ID: 10188871

Abstract:
A flat optogenetic cuff interface (FOCI) is configured for functional optical stimulation of axons in a single fascicle of a peripheral nerve bundle in which the axons have been genetically modified to express light sensitive proteins for excitation or inhibition of the nerves. The FOCI is configured to gradually reshape the single fascicle to a final height between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm by reorganizing the individual axons within the fascicle without reshaping (and damaging) the individual axons. The FOCI facilitates stimulation of axons over the entire cross-section of the reshaped fascicle within the power limitations for pulsed laser energy. An electrical interface may be included to sense nerve activity of either the stimulated axons to provide closed-loop feedback to control the optical sources or stimulated axons of a different modality to record the response. The FOCI may be used as an interface for prosthetic devices to restore lost sensory or motor function, to augment human sensor or motor performance or to modulate autonomic functions.