Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
05:45
Recording Large-scale Neuronal Ensembles with Silicon Probes in the Anesthetized Rat
Published on: October 19, 2011
25.5K
Single 5 μm diameter needle electrode block modules for unit recordings in vivo
H Sawahata1, S Yamagiwa1, A Moriya1
1Department of Electrical and Electric Information Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, 441-8580 Japan.
Scientific Reports
|October 26, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed novel, low-invasive silicon wire electrodes for stable single neuronal recordings. These electrodes enable detailed investigation of brain activity in cortical areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Stable single neuronal recording is crucial for understanding cortical area mechanisms.
- Existing methods can be invasive and lack long-term stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate fine silicon wire electrodes for improved in vivo neuronal recording.
- To reduce invasiveness and enhance stability in electrophysiological measurements.
Main Methods:
- Vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth was used to create 3 μm diameter, 160 μm length silicon wire electrodes.
- Electrodes were mounted on modular conductive silicon blocks for flexible device packaging (e.g., PCBs).
- Platinum black plating achieved low electrical impedance (~100 kΩ at 1 kHz).
Main Results:
- In vivo recordings in mice demonstrated stable detection of spike signals (200-300 μV amplitude).
- Single-unit activities were successfully recorded in cortical layer 2/3.
- Flexible PCB-packaged devices maintained stable unit recordings for over 98 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Modular, low-invasive needle electrode blocks offer an effective method for in vivo single-unit recordings.
- The adaptable device design supports diverse experimental applications in neuroscience.
- This technology advances the capability for detailed neural circuit analysis.
