Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
07:52
Multiscale Investigations of Cortical Processing by Integrating Laminar Polytrodes and Optogenetics with Micro Electrocorticography in Rodents
Published on: May 23, 2025
675
An optically transparent multi-electrode array for combined electrophysiology and optophysiology at the mesoscopic
Marcel Brosch1, Martin Deckert2, Sanchit Rathi2
1Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed new, robust optogenetic electrode arrays for brain surface recordings. These thin, transparent devices offer long-term stability and are cost-effective for optophysiology experiments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioengineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Opto-electrodes enable simultaneous recording and manipulation of neural activity.
- Existing surface electrode devices for electrocorticography (ECoG) and optogenetics are often complex, fragile, and lack widespread adoption.
- Transparent electrode materials like graphene and ITO present manufacturing challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust, cost-effective multi-electrode array for optophysiology experiments at the brain surface.
- To overcome limitations of existing devices, particularly those based on transparent materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thin layers of polyimide (PI) substrate with chrome-gold-platinum electrodes.
- Focused on improving existing metal trace and PI processing for enhanced robustness and cost-effectiveness.
- Engineered devices with high mechanical flexibility and light artifact rejection.
Main Results:
- Manufactured surface arrays with a thickness of 6.5 µm, achieving 80% transparency for blue light.
- Demonstrated immunity to opto-electric artifacts, long-term stability, and biocompatibility.
- Successfully recorded stable ECoGs over months without degradation and mapped auditory cortex organization in rodents.
Conclusions:
- Novel optogenetic probes combine proven materials for optically transparent, durable electrode arrays.
- These probes are simple to manufacture, robust, and offer long-term stability.
- The devices provide a practical engineering solution for optophysiological experiments.
