Development of flexible microelectrode arrays for recording cortical surface field potentials

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cortical surface field potentials are crucial for understanding brain activity.
• Flexible microelectrode arrays offer advantages for minimally invasive neural recording.
• Existing technologies may have limitations in biocompatibility or mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a novel 8-channel flexible microelectrode array.
• To evaluate the array's performance for recording cortical surface field potentials.
• To assess the suitability of polyimide and platinum for neural interface applications.

Main Methods:

• Photolithography and physical vapor deposition (PVD) were used for fabrication.
• Polyimide served as the substrate and insulation material.
• Platinum thin films were sputter-coated for electrodes and transmission lines.

Main Results:

• The microelectrode arrays were successfully fabricated and characterized.
• In vitro testing using impedance spectroscopy showed good electrode performance.
• In vivo recordings of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in rats demonstrated the array's functionality.

Conclusions:

• The developed 8-channel flexible microelectrode array is suitable for recording cortical surface field potentials.
• Polyimide and platinum are effective materials for creating biocompatible and mechanically stable neural interfaces.
• The array shows significant potential for future neuroscience research and clinical applications.