重大突破！脑机接口不“掉线”，中国团队破解Neuralink的电极之困

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a breakthrough in the development of a stretchable flexible electrode for brain-machine interfaces, which addresses the challenges faced by traditional electrodes in dynamic brain environments [2][7][10]. Group 1: Technology Breakthrough - A research team led by Fang Ying has developed a stretchable flexible electrode that combines high-throughput signal acquisition with biomechanical compliance, overcoming the limitations of traditional linear electrodes [2][10]. - The new design utilizes a reconfigurable spiral array that allows the electrode to adapt to the brain's movements, significantly reducing mechanical stress on soft brain tissue [10][11]. - The electrode has been successfully tested in monkeys, achieving stable signal acquisition from 1024 channels and demonstrating long-term compatibility with brain tissue [12][14]. Group 2: Application and Validation - The electrode was implanted in a monkey's brain, allowing for the collection of over 700 cortical neuron activities, with no significant signal degradation observed after 22 weeks [14]. - The research team successfully decoded the monkey's movement intentions using the electrode, indicating its potential for assisting patients with motor function disabilities [16][17]. Group 3: Company Background and Commercialization - The technology is backed by Zhiren Medical, founded in April 2022, focusing on the development of invasive flexible brain-machine interface platforms [18][20]. - Zhiren Medical has raised over 500 million yuan in funding, with plans to advance clinical trials and establish a mass production system [20]. - The company has developed a complete system for hardware, software, decoding algorithms, and automated implantation robots, with patents granted in China and the U.S. [20]. Group 4: Industry Context and Future Prospects - The advancement aligns with the accelerating global brain-machine interface industry, with competitors like Neuralink planning large-scale production by 2026 [24]. - The Chinese government has included brain-machine interfaces in its "14th Five-Year Plan," supporting the industry's growth and development [24][25]. - The market for brain-machine interfaces in China is projected to reach 10 to 14 billion yuan by 2030, with over 200 companies currently operating in the sector [24].