BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to biosensor package, and more specifically, to an implantable polymer package that can house one or more biosensor modules.

SUMMARY

[0002] The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein, systems, apparatuses, and/or methods that can regard an implantable biosensor package are described.

[0003] According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a biosensor module comprising a semiconductor substrate and a processor. The substrate has a sensor operably coupled to the processor. The apparatus also comprises a polymer layer. The module is embedded within the polymer layer such that the polymer layer is provided on a plurality of sides of the module.

[0004] According to another embodiment of the invention, another apparatus comprises a biosensor module comprising a semiconductor substrate and a processor. The substrate comprises an integrated stimulus device operably coupled to the processor. The apparatus also comprises a polymer layer, wherein the device is embedded within the polymer layer such that the polymer layer is provided on a plurality of sides of the device.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method comprises injecting a polymer into a mold to generate a polymer layer. The method also comprises attaching a biosensor module to the polymer layer such that the polymer layer is provided on a plurality of sides of the biosensor module. The biosensor module comprises a semiconductor substrate and a processor. Also, the substrate has a sensor operably coupled to the processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a biosensor package implanting into a host to facilitate monitoring and/or manipulation of the host's tissue in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a biosensor package comprising a plurality of chemical delivery systems in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.. [0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a biosensor package comprising an array of biosensor modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 is another diagram of a biosensor package comprising an array of biosensor modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a polymer layer to house a plurality of biosensor modules and/or chemical delivery systems in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system comprising one or more biosensors packages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating manufacturing of one or more biosensor packages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a mold for facilitating manufacturing of one or more biosensor packages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

[0014] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for facilitating manufacturing of one or more biosensor packages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention and/or application or uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description section.

[0016] Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, it is to be understood that various types of shading and/or cross-hatching presented within the drawings can delineate like features, like materials, and/or like compositions.

[0017] Traditional biosensors comprise one or more sensor devices located on a rigid semiconductor substrate. Typically, the biosensors are implanted into a host by plunging the biosensor directly into the host's tissue. The biosensors can detect various characteristics of the surrounding tissue and stimulate the tissue via various devices (e.g., via light emitting diodes ("LEDs”)). Flowever, plunging the biosensor into the host tissue can cause undesirable damage to the tissue. Further, the rigidity of traditional biosensors limits possible implant locations within the host. Also, traditional biosensor structures leave various components (e.g., the semiconductor substrate) unprotected from biological defense mechanisms, which can cause deterioration to the biosensor by the host. In addition, substantial direct exposure of various components (e.g., LEDs) to the host tissue can necessitate performance limitations (e.g., limitations on power usage to avoid overheating the tissue surround the biosensor).

[0018] Various embodiments of the invention described herein relate to an implantable package that comprises one or more sensor modules embedded within a protective polymer. The modules may monitor and/or manipulate surrounding tissue while the polymer protects the modules from the host's biological defense mechanisms and/or biological environment. Further, the polymer may be elastomeric, thereby providing flexibility to the implantable package. Due at least in part to the protective and flexible properties of the polymer, the modules may be manufactured using known electrical engineering techniques to achieve dimensions smaller than typical, bulky biosensors. The implantable package may comprise a plurality of sensor modules to provide redundancies in case of mechanical failure and/or facilitate multiple functions. Moreover, the implantable package may further comprise one or more chemical delivery systems to facilitate distribution of one or more chemicals to surrounding tissue.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a biosensor package 100 from a cross-sectional viewpoint . The biosensor package 100 comprises a polymer layer 102, one or more biosensor modules 104 (e.g., indicated with a dashed line in FIG. 1), and/or one or more chemical delivery systems 106. The package 100 may be implanted into a biological environment, such as onto and/or into tissue (e.g., tissue of a host entity).

[0020] The polymer layer 102 may comprise a bioinert elastomeric polymer and may be provided on a plurality of sides of the modules 104. The polymer layer 102 may comprise one or more wall portions extending (e.g., in the“Y" direction) substantially perpendicular to a base portion (e.g., extending in the "X” direction), wherein the modules 104 may be located on top of the base portion and/or between the wall portions. For instance, as shown in FIG 1, the polymer layer 102 may be provided on a left side, a right side, and a bottom side of the modules 104. The polymer layer 102 may surround the modules 104. Also, the polymer layer 102 may encapsulate the modules 104 (e.g., the polymer layer 102 may be further located on the top side of the modules 104).

[0021] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the polymer layer 102 may vary depending on the desired functions of the biosensor package 100, the type of polymer comprising the polymer layer 102, the biological environment the biosensor package 100 is expected to be implanted within, a combination thereof, and/or like. For example, a length of the polymer layer 102 (e.g., along the "X” direction) may range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 5 micrometers (pm) to less than or equal to 180 pm. In another example, the height of the polymer layer 102 (e.g., along the“Y" direction) may range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 1 millimeter (mm) and less than or equal to 2 mm. In a further example, the respective length (e.g., along the "X” direction) of the polymer layer's 102 one or more wall portions may range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 30 pm and less than or equal to 1000 pm. In an additional example, the thickness of the polymer layer 102 may range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 0.3 millimeters (mm) and less than or equal to 10 mm. [0022] The polymer layer 102 may be characterized as being elastomeric, durable, bioinert, resistant to corrosion, an insulator, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Example polymers for the polymer layer 102 include, but are not limited to: polydimethylsiloxane ("PDMS”), polyurethane, chitin and/or similar bio-derived polymers, cellulose materials, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Also, the polymer layer 102 may be embedded with stable bio molecules (e.g., glycoproteins and/or myelin) so as to provide camouflage against biological defense mechanisms (e.g., immune systems). Further, the polymer layer 102 may comprise tabs and/or protrusions to fix the biosensor package 100 to subject tissue.

[0023] The modules 104 may be embedded within and/or fixed to the polymer layer 102. Further, the modules 104 may comprise one or more sensors 108, one or more semiconductor substrates 110, one or more stimulus devices 112, one or more computer units 114, and/or one or more power devices 116.

[0024] The sensors 108 may detect and/or monitor one or more conditions of the tissue and/or environment surrounding the biosensor package 100. The detected and/or monitored conditions may relate to, for example, one or more chemical and/or physical properties of the surrounding tissue and/or environment. Example conditions that may be detected and/or monitored by the sensors 108 may include, but are not limited to:

temperature, moisture content, pressure, light absorbance, electrical conductance, chemical species or biological information transmitters such as neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors, metal ions such as Calcium, sodium and potassium, and pH, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Example devices for the sensors 108 may include, but are not limited to: thermometers, piezoelectric materials, light sensors, pressure sensors, electrodes, chemical sensors such as electrodes sensitized to specific molecules, using fast scan cyclic voltammetry, field-effect transistor ("FET”) sensors, bipolar junction transistor ("BJT”) sensors, conductive organic electrodes imprinted with the target molecules, organic electrochemical transistor ("OECT”) devices, fluorescence detectors, a combination thereof, and/or like. The sensors 108 may be optimized to monitor specific biomolecules. For example, one or more electrodes comprising the sensors 108 may be coated with various polymers, which may be sensitive to respective biomolecules (e.g., such as polypyrrole, polyaniline, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) ("PEDOT”), functionalized derivatives of PEDOT (e.g., methoxy, amine, alcohol, alkyl derivatives), imprinted with the target molecules, and/or glassy carbon for use with fast scan cyclic voltametry).

[0025] The sensors 108 may be fixed to the substrates 110. Additionally, the sensors 108 may interact with the substrates 110 through one or more vias 118. Further, the sensors 108 may be positioned at various pitches ranging from, for example, greater than or equal to 300 nanometers (nm) and less than or equal to 1000 nm. Additionally, respective biosensor modules 104 may comprise various types of sensors 108. In other words, the sensors 108 of a biosensor module 104 are not limited to a single type of device, nor are the functions of the one or more sensors 108 limited to a single function (e.g., detecting and/or monitoring a single type of condition).

[0026] The substrates 110 may support one or more features (e.g., the sensors 108, the stimulus devices 112, and/or the computer units 114) of the modules 104. The substrates 110 may include, but are not limited to: silicon, germanium, silicon carbide, carbon doped silicon, compound semiconductors (e.g., comprising elements from periodic table groups III, IV, and/or V), silicon oxide, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The substrates 110 may be a bulk silicon wafer and/or a silicon-on-insulator ("SOI”) wafer. The substrates 110 may comprise electronic structures such as isolation wires (not shown). The substrates 110 may be characterized by one or more crystalline structures. The substrates 110 may comprise silicon <100>, silicon <110>, and/or silicon <111>, as described using Miller indices. The substrates 110 may be transparent and/or semi-transparent to facilitate operation of the sensors 108 and/or the stimulus devices 112. The substrates 110 may comprise silicon oxide. In another instance, the substrates 110 may comprise gallium nitride. The substrate 110 may comprise semiconductor minerals and/or gemstones, such as sapphire. The thickness of the substrates 110 may vary depending on: the composition of substrates 110, the number of sensors 108, the number of stimulus devices 112, the desired function of the biosensor package 100, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

[0027] The stimulus devices 112 may generate one or more forms of stimulus to manipulate and/or modify the tissue and/or environment surrounding the biosensor package 100. For example, the stimulus devices 112 may stimulate (e.g., and thereby manipulate and/or modify) the tissue and/or environment surrounding the biosensor package 100 with electrical signals, vibrations, heat, light, a combination thereof, and/or like. Example stimulus devices 112 may include, but are not limited to: LEDs, piezoelectric devices (e.g., lead zirconate titanate ("PZT”) devices), electrodes, magnetic inductors, optical fibers, pulsed electrodes, physical nanorods and/or tubes for piercing cell structures, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Additionally, respective biosensor modules 104 may comprise various types of stimulus devices 112. In other words, the stimulus devices 112 of a biosensor module 104 are not limited to a single type of device, nor are the functions of the stimulus devices 112 limited to a single function (e.g., emitting light). The stimulus devices 112 may comprise one or more LEDs that can, collectively, emit light of various frequencies. For instance, some LEDs of the biosensor module 104 may emit blue light and/or other LEDs of the biosensor module 104 can emit red light.

[0028] The stimulus devices 112 may be integrated within the substrates 110. The substrates 110 may provide mechanical support to the stimulus devices 112 and/or facilitate one or more electrical connections between the stimulus devices 112 and/or the computer units 114. The substrates 110 may comprise conductive material (e.g., conductive strips, transmission lines, nanowires, electrical wires, a combination thereof, and/or like) to facilitate operable coupling of various features (e.g., the sensors 108, the stimulus devices 112, the computer units 114, and/or the power devices 116). Further, the vias 118 can also facilitate said operably couplings.

[0029] The computer units 114 may comprise, for example, one or more processors to facilitate execution of computer readable program instructions. Example computer units 114 may include, but are not limited to: microcontrollers, microprocessors, microcomputers, field-programmable gate arrays ("FPGA”), a combination thereof, and/or the like. The computer units 114 may analyze data collected by the sensors 108 and/or control the stimulus devices 112 based on the analysis to achieve one or more objectives. The computer units 114 may be operably coupled to the sensors 108 and/or the stimulus devices 112. The computer units 114 may be operably coupled to the sensors 108 and/or the stimulus devices 112 via one or more electrical connections (e.g., wires) and/or one or more vias 118 comprised within the substrate 110. The dimensions of the computer units 114 may vary depending on the desired functionality of the biosensor package 100. For example, the computer units 114 may be comprised on a die size ranging from, but not limited to, greater than or equal to 100 x 100 m and less than or equal to 1000 x 1000 pm.

[0030] The power devices 116 may supply power (e.g., electricity) to the sensors 108, the stimulus devices 112, and/or the computer units 114. Also, the power devices 116 may be operably coupled (e.g., via one or more vias 118) to the sensors 108, the stimulus devices 112, and/or the computer units 114. The power devices 116 may comprise, for example, one or more capacitors and/or one or more batteries. The power devices 116 may be charged and/or re-charged wireless, for example, through the use of one or more inductors. Thus, the power devices 116 may be charged and/or re-charged while implanted within the host.

[0031] The chemical delivery systems 106 may be comprised within one or more wall portions of the polymer layer 102. The chemical delivery systems 106 may comprise, for example, one or more microfluidic channels that may be loaded with one or more hydrogels (not shown). FIG. 1 shows chemical delivery systems 106 comprising microfluidic channels extending along the“Y" direction in straight paths. Flowever, the architecture of the microfluidic channels is not so limited. The microfluidic channels may be characterized by various path architectures such as diagonal paths, zig-zag paths, and/or U-shaped paths. A distal end of the microfluidic channels comprising the chemical delivery systems 106 may be exposed to the tissue and/or environment surrounding the biosensor package 100. Thus, the polymer layer 102 may define a plurality of sides of the chemical delivery systems 106 while leaving one or more sides of the chemical delivery systems 106 open to the surrounding tissue and/or environment.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , the chemical delivery systems 106 may be located adjacent to the biosensor modules 104. The chemical delivery systems 106 may flank one, two, three, and/or four sides of the biosensor modules 104. The dimensions of the chemical delivery systems 106 may vary depending on the desired volume of hydrogel to be loaded within the microfluidic channels. The respective widths of the microfluidic channels that may comprise the chemical delivery systems 106 may range from, but are not limited to, greater than or equal to 5 m to less than or equal to 180 pm. The chemical delivery systems 106 may be characterized by uniform dimensions; or alternatively, by varying respective dimensions.

[0033] The chemical delivery systems 106 may be loaded with one or more hydrogels. The hydrogels may comprise one or more chemical compounds to be distributed to the tissue and/or environment surrounding the biosensor package 100. The hydrogels may react (e.g., dissolve and/or otherwise degrade) in the presence of the surrounding tissue and/or environment (e.g., due at least to one or more biological defense mechanisms of the host), and thereby release the subject chemicals within the hydrogel. Thus, the subject chemicals may escape from the chemical distribution systems 106 (e.g., via the exposed sides) and/or interact with the surrounding tissue and/or environment. Further, respective chemical delivery systems 106 may house the same chemical compounds and/or respective chemical delivery systems 106 may comprise respective chemical compounds. Example chemical compounds that may be within the hydrogel and/or housed within the chemical delivery systems 106 may include, but are not limited to: a genetic material (e.g., carried by a virus) for expression of a protein, a neural transmitter (e.g., dopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid ("GABA”), and/or serotonin), a growth factor, a growth inhibitor, a medicine (e.g., a medication for epilepsy and/or Parkinson's disease), a combination thereof, and/or the like.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the biosensor package 100. FIG. 2 shows that one or more features of the biosensor modules 104 other than the stimulus devices 112 may be integrated into a single layer (e.g., the semiconductor substrates 110).

[0035] The sensors 108 and the stimulus devices 112 may both be integrated within the substrate 110.

The substrate may comprise gallium nitride. The computer units 114 may also be integrated into the substrates 110. Thus, while FIG. 1 depicts a biosensor module 104 structure comprising sensors 108, stimulus devices 112, and computer units 114 on respective layers; embodiments of the invention may comprise a biosensor module 104 structure wherein one or more of the sensors 108, stimulus devices 112, and computer units 114 are integrated onto a common layer (e.g., integrated onto and/or into the substrates 110).

[0036] FIG. 2 shows that the biosensor package 100 may comprise numerous chemical delivery systems 106 located adjacent to a side of the biosensor module 104. For example, two or more chemical delivery systems 106 may be located adjacent to a left side and/or a right side of the biosensor modules 104. The number of chemical delivery systems 106 within the polymer layer 102 may vary depending on the function of the biosensor package 100 and/or the dimensions of the biosensor package 100.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the biosensor package 100 from a top point of view. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of biosensor modules 104 may be embedded within the polymer layer 102 and/or arranged in an array.

[0038] The wall portions of the polymer layer 102 may separate biosensor modules 104 from each other and/or facilitate containing the biosensor modules 104 within the polymer layer 102. The elastomeric quality of the polymer layer 102 may enable the biosensor package 100 to wrap around and/or otherwise bend around various tissue structures so as to provide an array of biosensor modules 104 across irregular surface areas. Also, by comprising an array of biosensor modules 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) the biosensor package 100 may comprise redundancies that can be utilized in the case of malfunctions. In other words, the biosensor package 100 may remain functional despite damage and/or malfunction of a biosensor module 104 due at least in part to the existence of adjacent biosensor modules 104 that can perform the same and/or a similar task. [0039] One or more of the biosensor modules 104 of the array may perform one or more different functions than other biosensor modules 104 within the array. For example, a first biosensor module 104 within the array can comprise different sensors 108 and/or stimulus devices 112 than a second biosensor module 104 within the array. Therefore, the biosensor package 100 may perform a variety of tasks due to respective performance capacities of respect biosensor modules 104 comprising the biosensor package 100.

[0040] The number of biosensor modules 104 comprising the biosensor package 100 may vary depending on the size of the biosensor modules 104, the size of the biosensor package 100, the desired functions of the biosensor package 100, the number of chemical delivery systems 106, a combination thereof, and/or the like. While FIG. 3 illustrates twelve biosensor modules 104, the biosensor package 100 may comprise fewer or additional biosensor modules 104. For example, the number of biosensor modules 104 comprised within the biosensor package 100 may range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10,000.

[0041] FIG. 4 is another diagram of the biosensor package 100 from a top point of view As shown in

FIG. 4, the one or more biosensor modules 104 may be characterized by a variety of shapes.

[0042] While FIG. 3 depicts the biosensor modules 104 as having a square shape, FIG. 4 shows that the biosensor modules 104 may have alternate shapes such as a triangular shape. Different structural shapes may facilitate different functions and/or unique properties of flexibility. For example, various structural shapes may offer achieve respective concentrations of the biosensor modules 104 in the polymer layer 102. Example shapes that may characterize the structure and/or dimensions of the biosensor modules 104 can include, but are not limited to: squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons, pentagons, octagons, decagons, a combination thereof, and/or other polygons. Further, although FIGs. 3 and 4 depict biosensor module 104 arrays comprising uniform shapes, the architecture of the biosensor package 100 is not so limited. For instance, the biosensor package 100 may comprise an array of biosensor modules 104 characterized by a variety of shapes.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the polymer layer 102 from a cross-sectional view point. FIG. 5 depicts the biosensor package 100 prior to the inclusion of the biosensor modules 104 during a manufacturing process.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the polymer layer 102 may form one or more pockets 502 defined by the wall portions. The biosensor modules 104 may be inserted and/or fixed into the pockets 502 to manufacture the biosensor package 100. Wherein the biosensor package 100 comprises an array of biosensor modules 104, the polymer layer 102 may comprise a plurality of pockets 502 positioned in the orientation and/or configuration of the array. Further, FIG. 5 shows that the polymer layer 102 may comprise one or more chemical delivery systems 106 adjacent to one or more of the pockets 502. For example, the chemical delivery systems 106 may be located within the polymer layer 102 (e.g., defined by the polymer layer 102) and/or between adjacent pockets 502, and thereby between adjacent biosensor modules 104 in the biosensor package 100. As described herein, the number of chemical delivery systems 106 may vary and/or the architecture of the polymer layer 102 is not limited to four chemical delivery systems 106 between adjacent pockets 502, as shown in FIG. 5 (e.g., the biosensor package 100 can comprise fewer or additional chemical delivery systems 106 between adjacent biosensors modules 104 in an array). Further, while FIG. 5 depicts the chemical delivery systems 106 having uniform dimensions, the architecture of the biosensor package 100 is not so limited. For example, respective chemical delivery systems 106 may be characterized by respective dimensions.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system 600 may comprising one or more biosensor packages 100. As shown in FIG. 6, one or more biosensor modules 104 may be operably coupled to one or more controllers 602 via one or more networks 604.

[0046] The controllers 602 may comprise one or more computerized devices, which may facilitate a user of the system 600 to monitor and/or control the biosensor modules 104. Example computerized devices that may comprise the controllers 602 may include, but are not limited to: personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, cellular telephones (e.g., smart phones), computerized tablets (e.g., comprising a processor), smart watches, keyboards, touch screens, mice, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Additionally, the one or more controllers 602 can comprise one or more displays that can present one or more outputs generated by the system 600 (e.g., the biosensor modules 104) to a user. For example, the displays can include, but are not limited to: cathode tube display ("CRT”), light-emitting diode display ("LED”), electroluminescent display ("ELD”), plasma display panel ("PDP”), liquid crystal display ("LCD”), organic light-emitting diode display ("OLED”), a combination thereof, and/or the like. A user of the system 600 may send instructions (e.g., program instructions) to the biosensor modules 104 and/or view data (e.g., representing one or more conditions monitored and/or detected by the biosensor modules 104) outputted by the biosensor modules 104.

[0047] The networks 604 may comprise wired and wireless networks, including, but not limited to, a cellular network, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet) or a local area network (LAN). The controllers 602 may communicate with the biosensor modules 104 (and vice versa) using virtually any desired wired or wireless technology including for example, but not limited to: cellular, WAN, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Max, WLAN, Bluetooth technology, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

[0048] The biosensor modules 104 may comprise one or more reception and/or transmission components, such as one or more antennas (e.g., factual antennas). The reception and/or transmission components may be operably coupled to the computer units 114 and/or the power devices 116. The reception and/or transmission components may be protected by the polymer layer 102 from the biological environment surrounding the biosensor package 100. The reception and/or transmission component may be integrated into the computer units 114. The reception and/or transmission components may facilitate connection between the biosensor modules 104 and/or the networks 604, and thereby the controllers 602. The biosensor modules 104 may, via the networks 604, receive (e.g., from the controllers 602) instructions (e.g., program instructions) to be executed by the computer units 114 and/or transmit (e.g., to the one or more controllers 602) data representing one or more operations of the biosensor module 104 and/or the biosensor package 100.

[0049] The biosensor modules 104 may communicate with the controllers 602 and/or with other biosensor modules 104 (e.g., via the networks 604). For example, the biosensor modules 104 may communicate with other biosensor modules 104 comprising the same biosensor package 100. In another example, the biosensor modules 104 of a first biosensor package 100 may communicate with biosensor modules 104 of a second biosensor package 100.

[0050] The various embodiments of the biosensor package 100 described herein may facilitate treatment of various intractable health conditions such as chronic pain, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, diabetes, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and/or muscle tissue control. The biosensor package 100 may be implanted in one or more locations throughout a patient's body to manipulate, monitor, and/or modify desired segments of tissue. For example, the biosensor package 100 may be implanted into body regions that are typically difficult to reach, sensitive to intrusion, and/or subject to flexibility (e.g., due to motion). The biosensor package 100 may be implanted into brain regions, spinal regions, and/or nervous system regions.

[0051] The biosensor package 100 may be utilized to facilitate one or more optogenetic methods of treatment. The biosensor modules 104 may act as optogenetic stimulation devices. One or more biosensor packages 100 may be fixed to a subject tissue segment via known medical techniques (e.g., stiches and/or medical adhesive). The biosensor modules 104 may monitor one or more conditions of the surrounding tissue. The biosensor modules 104 may comprise one or more LEDs to stimulate the surrounding tissue using light. The chemical delivery systems 106 may be loaded with one or more chemical compounds that may facilitate manipulations of the surrounding tissue via light stimulation.

[0052] The biosensor package 100 may be implanted into a brain section and/or the chemical delivery systems 106 may be loaded with a hydrogel comprising: a virus carrying genetic material for the expression of opsin protein, and/or opsin protein itself. The biological environment surrounding the biosensor package 100 may dissolve and/or other degrade the hydrogel, thereby releasing the virus and/or opsin protein. The virus may infect one or more local neurons with the genetic material, thereby causing the neurons to produce opsin protein. The opsin protein (e.g., either released by the chemical delivery system 106 and/or produced by the neurons) may embed into the cellular membrane of the local neurons. The opsin protein may form an ion channel within the cellular membrane and be sensitive to light. For example, the opsin protein may open the ion channel in the presence of blue light and close the ion channel in the absence of light. The ion channel may facilitate a flow of ions and thereby control the electric potential of a subject neuron.

[0053] The biosensor modules 104 may thereby control one or more functions of the local neurons by stimulating and/or not stimulating the opsin protein positioned within the local neurons. By emitting blue light, the biosensor modules 104 may affectively activate one or more local neurons. Conversely, by ceasing to emit blue light, the biosensor modules 104 may affectively deactivate one or more local neurons. Said activation and/or deactivation may be controlled by the controllers 602 (e.g., via the networks 604) to achieve one or more treatment conditions. The biosensor package 100 may be used for a variety of medical treatments in addition to optogenetic.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 700 for manufacturing one or more biosensor packages

100

[0055] At 702, the method 700 comprises injecting a polymer (e.g., an elastomeric polymer) into a mold to generate a polymer layer 102. Example polymers that may be injected into the mold may include, but are not limited to: PDMS and/or polyurethane. The mold facilitates structuring the polymer layer 102 into base portions and/or wall portions. The mold also facilitates defining one or more chemical delivery systems 106 within the polymer layer 102. The polymer may be hardened within the mold to achieve the desired structural formation. Subsequent to hardening the polymer, the polymer layer 102may be released from the mold to facilitate further manufacturing of the one or more biosensor packages 100.

[0056] At 704, the method 700 comprises attaching one or more biosensor modules 104 to the polymer layer 102 such that the polymer layer 102 is provided on a plurality of sides of the biosensor modules 104. The biosensor modules 104 may comprise, for example: sensors 108, semiconductor substrates 110, stimulus devices 112, computer units 114 (e.g., which can include processors), and/or power devices 116. Further, one or more of the features of the biosensor modules 104 (e.g., the sensors 108 and/or the computer units 114) may be operably coupled together. The biosensor modules 104 may be inserted and/or attached to one or more pockets 502 defined by the polymer layer 102.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an injection mold 800 that may facilitate manufacturing of the biosensor packages 100.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, the injection mold 800 may comprise one or more cavities 802 into which the elastomeric polymer may be injected to form the polymer layer 102. Thus, the dimensions of the cavities 802 may depend on the desired dimensions of the polymer layer 102. Further, the cavities 802 may define the microfluidic channels that may comprise the chemical delivery systems 106. The structure of the injection mold 800 may be designed to facilitate a polymer layer 102 architecture (e.g., an architecture that may comprise a plurality of pockets 502, which may house an array of biosensor modules 104).

[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 700 for manufacturing of one or more biosensor packages 100. [0060] At 902, the method 900 comprises injecting a monomer material into a mold (e.g. mold 800).

The monomer material may polymerize to form the polymer material that may comprise the polymer layer 102 The monomer material may comprise PDMS monomer, isocyanate monomers, and/or polyol monomers.

[0061] At 904, the method 900 comprises polymerizing and/or hardening the monomer material to form the polymer layer 102. The polymerization and/or hardening at 902 may be facilitated by heat and/or light exposure of the monomer material while in the mold . As described herein, the resulting polymer layer 102 may be characterized as durable, elastomeric, and bioinert.

[0062] At 906, the method 900 comprises releasing the polymer layer 102 from the mold. Releasing the polymer layer 102 from the mold facilitates further manufacturing of the biosensor package 100.

[0063] At 908, the method 900 comprises loading a hydrogel matrix (e.g., comprising hyaluronic acid polymer) into chemical delivery systems 106, which may be defined by the polymer layer 102. The hydrogel matrix may be embedded with one or more chemical compounds, including, but not limited to: a genetic material (e.g., carried by a virus) for expression of a protein, a neural transmitter (e.g., dopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid ("GABA”), and/or serotonin), a growth factor, a growth inhibitor, a medicine (e.g., a medication for epilepsy and/or Parkinson's disease), a combination thereof, and/or the like.

[0064] At 910, the method 900 comprises facilitating cross-linking within the hydrogel matrix to achieve one or more compositional states that may help the hydrogel maintain within the chemical delivery systems 106 until degradation (e.g., dissolution) by a bioenvironment. For example, the cross-linkage at 910 may be activated by heat and/or light exposure.

[0065] At 912, the method 900 comprises attaching biosensor modules 104 to the polymer layer 102.

The biosensor modules 104 may comprise, for example: sensors 108, semiconductor substrates 110, stimulus devices 112, computer units 114 (e.g., which can include one or more processors), and/or power devices 116. Further, one or more of the features of the biosensor modules 104 (e.g., the sensors 108 and/or the computer units 114) can be operably coupled together. The biosensor modules 104 may be inserted and/or attached to one or more pockets 502 defined by the polymer layer 102.

[0066] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments of the invention disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the inventionn.