Lecture notes

Applications of neural microsystems (P-ITBIO-0042 – annualy in Spring semester at PPCU).
 

PhD topics

Proposals to be discussed via e-mail on a continuous basis.

Topic: In vitro and in vivo investigation of implantable MEMS devices
Supervisor: Z. Fekete

The application of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is getting dominant during multimodal investigations of the central and peripheral nervous system. The utilization of novel material compositions for implantable MEMS demands preliminary in vitro and in vivo tests, which gives evidence of functional reliability and structural longevity of substrate and thin film components. Besides the expected biocompatibility, optical and electrical properties are also of key importance. It is expected to elaborate and carry out electrochemical and optical measurements on semiconductor and polymer based microimplants in order to reveal the effects of structural materials on the foreign body response of the brain tissue or cell cultures. Additionally, it is to be confirmed whether this devices are feasible means to conduct experiments combining electrophysiology neuroimaging methods.
 

Bsc/Msc topics

latest update: 13/02/2020

Foreigners interested in doing their bachelor, master study in our lab are welcome to contact us via e-mail.

Topic: Measurement automation to control brain-machine interfaces
Supervisor: Á. Cs. Horváth

Multifunctional optical actuators implantable into neural tissue are manufactured in the MEMS lab of MTA EK MFA. The applicant has to create a Matlab or Labview-based control system which can realize neural stimulation by the infrared irradiation of the optical actuators, and based on the registered input data of the integrated sensors of the optical actuator (tissue temperature, electrophysiological signals) the stimulating parameters during further in vitro and in vivo experiments can be adjusted and controlled in constant and pulsed mode as well. Hardware components and necessary software are all available. This topic is suitable for a further desired TDK work.

Topic: Infrared neural stimulation using novel brain-machine interfaces
Supervisor: Á. Cs. Horváth

It is known from experiments that changes in body temperature affect electrical signals and metabolic processes in the brain. In the MEMS lab of MTA EK MFA microsystems implantable into neural tissue are manufactured for exploring these connections. The applicant has to observe the functioning of the integrated thermal sensors and optical actuators in experimental conditions, and has to calibrate them in vitro. Beyond designing and assemling the measuring system the applicant has to fulfil documented functional tests of the implantable microtools. This topic is suitable for a further desired TDK work.

Topic: Investigation of polymer based, flexible brain-machine interfaces
Supervisor: A. Zátonyi

Polyimide, Parylene and liquid crytal polymers are popular materials incorporated in recently developed brain-machine interfaces. To prove their reliable performance in long-term operation, accelerated aging test is performed and evaluated. This tutored project aims to analyze the functionality and possible failure modes of these implants using electrochemical methods. 

Topic: Analysis of multichannel EEG recorded using intracranial sensors
Supervisor: Z. Fekete

The advantage of intracranial electro-encephalography) EEG is that besides substantially higher spatial resolution than clinical scalp EEG, it is more sensitive to signal variations on the cortical surface especially in the case of neurodegenerative diseases like epilepsy. The tutored project aims the implementation of MATLAB based signal processing script, which helps the evaluation of neuronal recordings and track the change in disease specific features.