THIN-FILM INTRACORTICAL RECORDING MICROELECTRODES (RFP: NIH-NINDS-00-02)

Release Date:  November 23, 1999

NOTICE:  NS-00-002

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 

The Repair and Plasticity Cluster of the National Institute of Neurological 
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, is committed to 
research and development of chronic recording of single unit activity from large 
numbers of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) for long-term multielectrode 
connections with neurons for prosthetic control signals.  The NINDS is supporting 
the development of a chronic, multichannel microelectrode recording array capable of 
recording from up to 64 sites on 16 parallel penetrating shanks.  Eight of these 
recording arrays can also be assembled into a 3-dimensional structure to provide 512 
microelectrode recording sites.  In past development, multiple microelectrode 
recording sites have been fabricated on shanks as small as 60 microns wide and 15 
microns thick.  Amplifiers integrated into the silicon microelectrodes have 
successfully amplified and buffered single and multiple unit extracellular neural 
activity.  Additional electronic circuitry that provides selection of recording 
sites and multiplexing of signals from multiple recording sites has also been 
integrated into the microelectrodes.  

The goal of this research will build on these results with the long-term goal of 
developing a chronic microelectrode array that permits recording of extracellular 
neural activity from many neurons over decades of use in humans.  This project will 
develop an integrated recording system consisting of an implantable microelectrode 
array and a cable system to provide a signal and power path between the 
microelectrode array and the external world.  The cable system will be designed to 
be compatible with human implantation and must not transmit mechanical force to the 
microelectrode array that would cause it to be displaced in the neural tissue.  The 
research will also develop an implant system that combines a microelectrode array 
with a telemetry system for transmission of the signals from an implanted array to 
an extracorporal receiver.  Electrode systems will be tested in-vitro and in chronic 
animals.  No human studies are required.  

Personnel with established expertise in micromachining, bioengineering, integrated 
circuit design, integrated circuit fabrication, and animal studies will be needed to 
perform this research.  

It is anticipated that one cost-reimbursement type contract may be made for a period 
of four years in September 2000. 

Request for Proposals (RFP) No. NIH-NINDS-00-02 will be AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY and 
may be downloaded at URL http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/funding_announcements/funding_opps.htm 
on or about December 20, 1999.  This solicitation will be issued in electronic format only. 
Proposals will be due on or about February 20, 2000, or two months after issuance of the solicitation.  
The exact proposal receipt date will be specified in the 
solicitation.  OFFERORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTINELY CHECKING THIS WEBSITE FOR ANY 
POSSIBLE SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS THAT MAY BE ISSUED.  NO INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION OF 
ANY AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED.  All responsible sources may submit a proposal that 
will be considered by the agency.  This advertisement does not commit the Government 
to award a contract.


INQUIRIES

Inquiries may be directed to:

Laurie A. Leonard, Contracting Officer
Contracts Management Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Neuroscience Center, Room 3287
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9531
Bethesda, MD  20892-9531
Tel:  (301) 496-1813
Fax:  (301) 402-4225
Email:  [email protected]

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