The objective of the proposed work is to develop a direct brain machine interface paradigm using nanoscale technology. The interface will comprise nanoscale electrodes that record and/or stimulate the brain and spinal cord through the circulatory system. The specific objective for the period of the proposed work is to determine the biological, biophysical, and engineering parameters for obtaining such intravascular recordings using conductive polymer nanowires (500 nM) developed at MIT by Prof. Ian Hunter. The ultimate aim of this study, in addition to a robust man-machine interface system, is the development of medical diagnostic and therapeutic devises that could address deep brain stimulation paradigms for Parkinson?s and related diseases or cochlear implants for the hearing impaired as well as the recording of brain activity as an intelligent interface for artificial limb control.
