CMOS neurotransmitter microarray: 96-channel integrated potentiostat with on-die microsensors

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neurotransmitter imaging is crucial for understanding brain function.
• Existing methods for neurotransmitter detection face limitations in sensitivity, dynamic range, and integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance, integrated system for on-chip neurotransmitter imaging.
• To achieve a wide linear dynamic range for accurate neurochemical concentration measurements.
• To validate the system's performance in real-time neurotransmitter detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an 8x12 array of integrated potentiostats on a 0.35 μm CMOS chip.
• Integration of on-die gold microelectrodes (flat and 3D) and an on-chip microfluidic network.
• Utilizing a combination of current-to-frequency and single-slope analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architectures.

Main Results:

• Achieved a total linear dynamic range of 95 dB for potentiostat channels.
• Demonstrated successful in-situ recording of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
• The 3.8 mm × 3.1 mm prototype showed effective neurochemical measurement capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated potentiostat array offers a promising platform for advanced on-chip neurotransmitter imaging.
• The system's wide dynamic range and on-chip integration enable sensitive and precise neurochemical analysis.
• This technology has potential applications in neuroscience research and diagnostics.