Neurotrophic Electrode

A type of implantable brain electrode designed for long-term, stable recording of neural signals. Unlike conventional electrodes that sit on the brain surface or are inserted as rigid probes, a neurotrophic electrode consists of a hollow glass cone coated with neurotrophic growth factors that encourage surrounding brain cells to grow into and through the cone. This biological integration creates a stable, long-term connection between the electrode and the brain tissue, potentially lasting years without degradation. Developed by Philip Kennedy, it was used in one of the first human-implanted brain-computer interfaces, enabling patients with locked-in syndrome to control a computer cursor through thought alone.