Wireless, Battery-Free, Subdermal Implantable Platforms for Transcranial and Long-Range Optogenetics

Case ID:
UA22-265
Invention:

This invention is an improvement of current wireless subdermal implantable platform for long-range optogenetics and for transcranial implants without damaging brain tissue or using invasive surgical procedures. It uses capacitors and digital power management to deliver on-demand energy to the implant. This enables transcranial optogenetics stimulation and a longer range of operation in power transmitting arenas of larger volume.

Background: 
Current devices on the market for fully subdermal implantable optogenetics tools that use wireless power delivery require invasive stimulus delivery, penetrating the skull and the disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, current devices can cause tissue displacement, neuronal damage and scarring and diminish operational area size. 

This technology will make it possible to create wireless, battery-free subdermal implants capable of delivering light-intensity optogenetics light stimulation that avoids damage to the brain tissue, simple surgical implantation, and enables new etiological grounded neuroscience experiments.

Applications: 

  • Neurological research
  • Optogenetics therapy and stimulation
  • Transcranial implants


Advantages: 

  • Non-invasive installation surgeries
  • Avoids brain tissue damage
  • Components are commercially available 
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Scott Zentack
Licensing Manager, College of Engr
The University of Arizona
szentack@arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Philipp Gutruf
Keywords: