Integrated Microsystems for the Treatment of Neural Diseases

Speaker:  Manuel Delgado-Restituto, Professor of Institute of Microelectronics of Seville, Former President of lEEE Circuits and Systems Society.

Time:       10:30, Jun. 17^th

Location: 1A-200, SIST

Host:  Prof. Yajun Ha

Abstract:

Implanted bidirectional integrated systems combining high-density neural recording and precise neuromodulation represent a rapidly advancing technology with great promise for the treatment of neural diseases and the implementation of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). At the core of these systems are high-channel-count microelectrode arrays (MEAs), which provide access to detailed neural activity across large populations of neurons. Applications of these systems range from the treatment of pathologies such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or chronic pain, to the restoration of motor function for paralyzed patients through BMI systems that directly interface with prosthetic limbs or other external devices.

However, significant technical challenges remain in realizing the full potential of these systems. High-channel-count MEAs generate massive amounts of data, requiring advanced, high-performance circuits capable of real-time processing while ensuring minimal noise, and low power consumption to reduce heat generation. The long-term stability of electrodes also remains a concern, as tissue reactions and electrode degradation can compromise signal fidelity over time. On the other hand, neuromodulation, which involves delivering electrical stimulation to targeted brain regions, also faces technical hurdles. Designing circuits capable of delivering precise, localized stimulation without inducing tissue damage requires precise control over stimulation parameters —current, voltage, and pulse duration— and careful design of power management units. One promising approach is the integration of edge computing directly within the implant for closing the loop between recording and stimulation operations. The goal is to process on-chip raw neural data to extract critical features in real time and deliver controlled stimulation when and where needed, ultimately supporting more efficient and autonomous system operation. However, the integration of these closed-loop architectures poses challenges in miniaturization, thermal management, and accuracy, all of which are critical for long-term, stable implantation.

This talk highlights the intersection of cutting-edge microelectronics, materials science, and neural engineering to address the key technical and biological challenges of bidirectional neural interfaces. Recent advances in energy-efficient designs, miniaturized implantable electronics, and conformable bio-materials are also presented. As these technologies mature, they will play a crucial role in treating neurological disorders and enabling seamless brain-machine interfaces, profoundly impacting both healthcare and neuroprosthetics.

Bio:

Manuel Delgado-Restituto received the Ph.D. degree in Electronic Physics (Honors) from the University of Seville, Spain, in 1996. Since then, he has been working with the Institute of Microelectronics of Seville (IMSE-Univ. of Seville) where he currently heads a research group on low-power medical microelectronics and works in the design of silicon and optoelectronic microsystems for understanding biological neural systems, the development of neural prostheses and brain-machine interfaces, the implementation of wireless body area network transceivers and the realization of RFID transponders with biomedical sensing capabilities.

Manuel served as an Associate Editor for different IEEE Publications (TCAS-I, TCAS-II and TBioCAS) and as Editor-in-Chief for the IEEE Journal on Emerging and Selected Topics in Circuits and Systems (JETCAS). He has also served (or is serving) in the Organizing Committee of different international conferences, including his role as General Co-Chair for ISCAS 2020 and as Technical Program Co-Chair for ESSCIRC 2010, ICECS 2012 and ISCAS 2022. He was Vice President for Publications and President-Elect of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society and during the period 2022-2023 served as President of this Society.