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The ultra-thin, minimally invasive surface electrode array NeuroWeb for probing neural activity
Jung Min Lee1, Young-Woo Pyo1,2, Yeon Jun Kim2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Nature Communications
|November 5, 2023
Summary
We developed NeuroWeb, an ultra-thin neural probe for minimally invasive brain recordings. This flexible probe achieves stable, high-quality neural signal detection and enables mapping of brain networks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Electrophysiological recording technologies are crucial for understanding nervous system function.
- Existing neural probes, such as surface electrode arrays and implantable multi-electrode arrays, have limitations in achieving both minimal invasiveness and robust signal detection simultaneously.
- There is a need for advanced neural probes that overcome these limitations for comprehensive brain network analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, ultra-thin, and minimally invasive neural probe named NeuroWeb.
- To evaluate the NeuroWeb's performance in terms of flexibility, adhesion, and neural signal detection capabilities in vivo.
- To investigate neural interactions between brain regions using dual NeuroWebs and optical stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of the NeuroWeb probe using hexagonal boron nitride and graphene, resulting in an ultra-thin (100 nm) open lattice structure.
- In vivo electrophysiological recordings in mice to assess signal-to-noise ratios and stability of single-unit activity.
- Simultaneous optical stimulation and electrophysiological recording using transparent dual NeuroWebs to study neural pathway transmission times between the somatosensory cortex and cerebellum.
Main Results:
- The NeuroWeb probe demonstrated high flexibility and strong adhesion, forming a conformal interface with the mouse brain surface.
- Stable single-unit neural activity was detected with high signal-to-noise ratios.
- Neural signal transmission times between the somatosensory cortex and cerebellum were successfully measured, revealing pathway-dependent dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The NeuroWeb probe offers a minimally invasive approach for robust electrophysiological recordings.
- Its unique properties enable stable detection of neural activity and investigation of functional connectivity in the brain.
- NeuroWeb technology holds promise for advancing the understanding of complex brain networks through integrated optical and electrophysiological mapping.
