A multiple modulation synthesis method with high spatial resolution for noninvasive neurostimulation

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 14; no. 6; p. e0218293
• Main Authors: Xiao, Qiaoqin, Zhong, Zhenyu, Lai, Xiaozheng, Qin, Huabiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 20-06-2019; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Action potential; Beat frequencies; Biology and Life Sciences; Brain - physiology; Brain - radiation effects; Computational neuroscience; Computer science; Computer Simulation; Dielectric properties; Electric fields; Electrical stimuli; Electrodes; Electrodes, Implanted; Electromagnetic Radiation; Engineering; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element method; Firing rate; Frequency dependence; Humans; Implanted electrodes (biology); Medicine and Health Sciences; Methods; MMS (Multimedia messaging service); Models, Neurological; Modulation; Muscle contraction; Neural circuitry; Neural networks; Neural prostheses; Neuromodulation; Neurons; Neurons - physiology; Neurons - radiation effects; Neurophysiology; Noninvasive diagnosis; Penetration depth; Physical Sciences; Polarity; Saline solution; Saline solutions; Spatial discrimination; Spatial resolution; Stimulation; Synthesis; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Ultrasonic imaging; Waveforms; New York; United States > US; China
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218293

Noninvasive neurostimulation plays a pivotal role in the direct control of neural circuits and the modulation of neuronal function. However, it is difficult to balance both spatial resolution and penetration depth when stimulating deep neurons. Here, we designed a multiple (time-division, frequency and polarity) modulation synthesis (MMS) method for noninvasively stimulating deep neurons with low-frequency envelopes. Compared to conventional transcranial electrical stimulation, we demonstrated that it can stimulate deep neurons at the desired firing rate (beat frequency) with higher spatial resolution via a computational model combining finite element analysis and Hodgkin-Huxley action potential model. Additionally, we measured the distribution of stimulus waveforms in saline solution to validate its effect. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that MMS stimulation with higher spatial resolution is steerable and might be a potential alternative to traditional implanted electrodes.