Figure 1.

Mosquito-inspired guide to reduce buckling of flexible microelectrodes during insertion into brain tissue. Mosquitos use their labium (labeled above) to brace the fascicle during insertion through the tough skin. Mechanically, this changes the end-condition of the fascicle from a free- to a fixed-end condition and reduces the effective length. Similarly, our manufactured guide may be placed on the skull above the site of device implantation. A narrow slit, slightly wider than the microelectrode provides lateral support. The additional bracing prevents buckling. Figure was prepared by Erika Woodrum of the Cleveland FES Center, a contributor, with permission granted for use.