Printable and transparent micro-electrocorticography (μECoG) for optogenetic applications

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional invasive neural recording methods pose risks like tissue damage and infection.
• Micro-electrocorticography (μECoG) offers high spatial-temporal resolution and reduced side effects.
• Optogenetics and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) require advanced neural interfacing tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel printable, transparent μECoG electrode.
• To utilize ultrasonic microfluid printing for cost-effective and precise fabrication.
• To assess the device's suitability for optogenetic applications and chronic implantation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a μECoG electrode using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and Parylene-C.
• Employing ultrasonic microfluid printing for customizable film thickness (5-20 microns).
• Testing the electrode's performance with simulated neural signals (0-200 Hz sine wave) and measuring impedance.

Main Results:

• The printable μECoG electrode demonstrated high spatial resolution.
• Effective recording of simulated neural signals with low electrode impedance (50-200 kOhms@1kHz).
• The device exhibited good biocompatibility, suitable for chronic implants.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic microfluid printing enables cost-effective fabrication of high-performance μECoG electrodes.
• The transparent, printable μECoG electrode is a promising tool for neuroscience research.
• This technology could advance optogenetics, BCI, and neurological disorder diagnosis and rehabilitation.