/Microfluidic Neural Probes for In Vivo Electrochemical Monitoring

Microfluidic Neural Probes for In Vivo Electrochemical Monitoring

PhD - Leuven | Just now

Microfluidic Integration in Neural Probes: Bridging Electrical and Chemical Brain Dynamics for In Vivo Monitoring

Imec is the current world leader in the design and development of CMOS neural probes that achieve minimum probe-shank dimensions, high electrode density, and a large number of simultaneous recording channels with low-noise and low-power performances. With these probes, it is currently possible to record from many neurons spanning multiple brain regions. However, despite these powerful capabilities for electrical recording, studying the brain in its full complexity requires a multi-modal approach, i.e. one that goes beyond electrophysiology to also capture the underlying chemical dynamics. Many critical brain functions and dysfunctions are driven not only by electrical signals but also by intricate neurochemical processes, such as neurotransmitter release, ion fluxes, and metabolic changes. Therefore, a device that can combine measure both electrical and electrochemical activity in vivo would be transformative. Such an integrated platform would provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain function creating new opportunities for neuroscience research, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions.

 

Current methods for sampling and detecting biomarkers in the brain are based on dialysis and push-pull techniques and suffer from low temporal resolution, long delays, and the requirement of human intervention.

 

A successful implementation of a collection and miniaturized analysis in a neural probe could enable online sample collection and detection. In this PhD project, the priority will be on the development of a sampling system to efficiently collect energy related molecules (glucose, lactate, pyruvate and ATP) and neurotransmitters (dopamine, glutamate, acetylcholine and serotonin). In parallel, the PhD candidate can also contribute to the development of miniaturized separation and detection modules to be later integrated with the neural probe.



Required background: Interest (experience) in wet biolab and/or device fabrication. Biomedical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Bio(medical)physics, (Bio)engineer, Chemistry, or similar.

Type of work: 70% experimental and data analysis, 20% modeling and theoretical assessment, 10% literature review.

Supervisor: Liesbet Lagae

Daily advisor: Camila Dalben Madeira Campos, Carolina Mora Lopez, Rodrigo Sergio Wiederkehr

The reference code for this position is 2026-021. Mention this reference code on your application form.

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