Rice University engineers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neurostimulation with the development of the smallest implantable brain stimulator that has been successfully tested in a human patient. The pea-sized device, known as the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT), offers new hope for individuals suffering from drug-resistant depression and other psychiatric or neurological disorders.

The team of engineers from Rice University, led by Professor Jacob Robinson, collaborated with Motif Neurotech and clinicians Dr. Sameer Sheth and Dr. Sunil Sheth to create this innovative device. Thanks to magnetoelectric power transfer technology, the DOT can be wirelessly powered through an external transmitter and used to stimulate the brain by targeting the protective membrane attached to the bottom of the skull, called the dura.

The DOT could potentially revolutionize the treatment of various mental health conditions by providing patients with increased autonomy and accessibility. Unlike existing neurostimulation-based therapies and other brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), the DOT is less invasive and offers a more patient-friendly alternative.

The implantable technologies currently available require relatively large batteries to be placed under the skin in different parts of the body, connected to the stimulating device with long wires. This design not only necessitates more surgeries but also increases the risk of wire breakage or failure, as well as the need for future battery replacement procedures.

The DOT, on the other hand, eliminates the need for a battery by utilizing wireless power transfer. The device converts magnetic fields into electrical pulses with remarkable efficiency at its small scale, offering greater precision and control. With a width of 9 millimeters, the DOT can deliver 14.5 volts of stimulation.

Professor Robinson, who is also the founder and CEO of Motif Neurotech, emphasizes the significance of the magnetoelectric effect in powering the device. He explains that this physics-based power transfer makes the DOT much more efficient than other wireless power transfer technologies under similar conditions.

Motif Neurotech is among several neurotech companies exploring the potential of BCIs to revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders. Professor Robinson highlights the crucial role of neurostimulation in providing effective therapies for mental health conditions, especially when traditional drug-based treatments have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects.

The researchers conducted temporary tests on a human patient, successfully stimulating the motor cortex, which controls movement. Additionally, the device demonstrated stable interfacing with the brain in pig models over a 30-day period.

Looking ahead, Professor Robinson envisions the DOT being used in the comfort of patients' homes, providing a convenient and accessible treatment option. A physician would prescribe the therapy and guide patients in using the device, but they would have complete control over its administration.

Implantation of the DOT requires a minimally invasive procedure that takes about 30 minutes. The device is placed in the bone over the brain, with both the implant and incision being virtually invisible. After the procedure, patients can return home on the same day.

By offering a safe and less invasive alternative to deep brain stimulation, the DOT has the potential to expand the accessibility of effective treatments for mental health disorders. For conditions like epilepsy, the device may need to be permanently active, but for disorders such as depression and OCD, just a few minutes of stimulation per day could bring about significant improvements in the functioning of targeted neuronal networks.

In terms of future developments, Professor Robinson is interested in creating networks of implants that can stimulate and record brain activity, enabling personalized therapies based on individuals' brain signatures. Motif Neurotech is currently seeking FDA approval for a long-term clinical trial in humans and interested patients and caregivers can find more information on their website.

The research, published in Science Advances, marks a significant milestone in the field of neurostimulation, offering hope for millions of individuals struggling with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The DOT's innovative design and wireless power transfer technology could potentially redefine the way we approach the treatment of mental health conditions, prioritizing patient comfort, autonomy, and efficacy.