Addressing the biomaterial failure modes for brain computer interfaces

Project by Polygence alum Musa

Addressing the biomaterial failure modes for brain computer interfaces

Project's result

Literature Review, Asynchronous Symposium Video Elevator Pitch

They started it from zero. Are you ready to level up with us?

Summary

Neural prostheses, otherwise known as brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), have recently been a hot topic of interest. These neural prostheses have demonstrated the ability to help people regain motor function in many ways. Some examples are using intended movements from the brain to control a prosthetic limb, translating brain activity into commands for those who cannot speak, and studying the brain and its deeper function. One shortcoming of neural prostheses is the foreign body response it stimulates in the brain. When the prosthetic is detected, the brain sends astrocytes, a glial cell in the central nervous system, which encapsulates the object and form a glial scar, which protects the rest of the brain from the foreign body. As a result, the prosthetic is unable to perform, which places a time limit on how long the neural prosthetic would work. Because of this, I will be exploring how neural prostheses can potentially be designed in order to avoid triggering the foreign body response for as long as possible.

Ti'Air

Ti'Air

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects

Biology, Neuroscience

Expertise

biomedical engineering, neural engineering, neuroscience, cellular signaling pathways, implantable electrodes, astrocytes, neurons, implantable neurotechnology, neurodegenerative diseases, deep brain stimulation, neurolink 'like' devices, cell culture, neuroimaging

Musa

Musa

Student

Hello! My name is Musa and my Polygence project is about brain-machine interfaces. I chose this project because I would like to help people with neurodegenerative diseases. After this project, I would like to study bioengineering in college and become a neurosurgeon after undergraduate school.

Graduation Year

2024

Project review

“The flexibility with deadlines met my expectations.”

About my mentor

“She was very helpful in ensuring I not only met all my deadlines, but put efforts into my project.”