Organoid technology is poised to revolutionize the development of brain-controlled prosthetics. By bridging the gap between the body’s central nervous system and a synthetic device, research with neural organoids could lead to the development of prosthetics capable of real-time interaction with the human brain through closed-loop feedback systems. Multielectrode array technology (also called “microelectrode array” or “MEA”) from Multi Channel Systems is ideally suited for studying this complex interaction and developing innovations in prosthetic research.

The Role of Organoids

Derived from stem cells, neuronal organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures that can be used to model key functions of the human brain, including processing and transmitting electrical signals. These properties make them ideal candidates for modeling interactions between an implant in the primary motor cortex and a prosthetic device. By linking an organoid to a prosthetic limb, it is possible to establish a two-way communication loop:

1. Input: Sensors on the prosthetic (e.g., touch, pressure, or movement) provide electrical or chemical stimulation to the organoid.
2. Processing: The electrical or chemical stimulation produces synaptic plasticity in the organoid, mimicking how the brain processes stimuli from the peripheral nervous system.
3. Output: Neuronal networks within the organoid generate action potentials and bursting that are transmitted back to the prosthetic, enabling precise and natural movement.

Enhanced Adaptability and Sensory Integration

The neural plasticity of organoids makes them ideal for controlling prosthetics, as they can fine-tune responses to sensory inputs, improving both movement precision and responsiveness. For example, a researcher might gradually "train" the organoid to perform increasingly complex tasks, much like how the brain learns new motor skills. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this training process could lead to the development of better prosthetics and implants.

Current prosthetics often struggle to mimic the nuanced sensations of human touch. By connecting a prosthetic's sensors to an organoid, researchers may better understand how neuronal networks encode different aspects of touch (temperature, pressure, or texture). This could lead to the development of more complex prosthetics that would allow users to experience a richer range of feedback, including temperature, texture, or even pain, allowing for more natural interactions with their environment.

New discoveries using MEA technology with Mesh MEA

Our MEA technology is uniquely positioned to accelerate discoveries with research that studies interactions between organoids and prosthetics. With its built-in real time feedback, our MEA2100-Mini recording system can act as a bridge between a neuronal organoid and prosthetic limbs. Spontaneous activity of the organoid can be recorded from the 60 electrodes on the MEA, which can be used as a trigger to communicate directly with a prosthetic limb and control its movement. Feedback from the prosthetic limb, in turn, can automatically trigger electrical or chemical stimulation on the organoid, completing the feedback loop.

When combined with Mesh MEA, our MEA recording systems offer even more potential for prosthetic research.  Unlike traditional 2D MEAs, Mesh MEAs have electrodes placed in a mesh that allows organoids to maintain their 3D shape over long periods of time. Furthermore, electrodes on the mesh become embedded within the organoid such that recordings are made from inside of the organoid. This design would allow for experiments using organoids and prosthetics to last for weeks or months. In contrast, these experiments would be limited to acute measurements only if a standard 2D array was used.

The Future of Prosthetics

By leveraging the unique capabilities of our MEA technology, the interactions between organoids and prosthetics can be better understood than ever before. These new discoveries may eventually impact research into the development of prosthetics so that amputees can have a full and rich experience with a prosthetic that more closely models their natural sensory experiences. As this technology evolves, it could redefine the field of human augmentation and offer life-changing solutions for individuals with limb loss or paralysis. With these ongoing technological advancements, the dream of seamlessly integrating biology and technology is rapidly becoming a reality.