PhD Defense : Bhanu Prasad Kotamraju
Location: Wickenden 105
Abstract:
The advancement of neural interface technology is fundamental for the development of next-generation neuroprosthetics. However, current electrode technologies face significant limitations, including low selectivity, poor chronic stability, and limited scalability for interfacing with the complex architecture of both peripheral and central nervous systems. This dissertation investigates carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) electrodes as a novel solution to these challenges, evaluating their performance in both small and large animal models.
CNTY electrodes were chronically implanted in small-diameter fascicles of the rat sciatic nerve and they demonstrated high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), stable recording quality, and the ability to selectively capture independent neural signals from multiple fascicles over a 12-week period. Compared to existing peripheral nerve interfaces, CNTY electrodes provided equal or superior performance in both SNR and information content, establishing their suitability for long-term peripheral nerve interfacing.