Design of conformal planar penetrating multi-electrode arrays for recording multiple brain regions

Area of Science:

• Systems neuroscience
• Neural engineering
• Neuroscience research

Background:

• Simultaneous neural recording across brain regions is key for understanding brain function.
• Existing multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) have limitations due to brain anatomy and species variability.
• Fixed MEA designs offer suboptimal spatial coverage and recording efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematic design framework for conformal penetrating MEAs.
• To link neuroanatomical constraints with engineering decisions for MEA design.
• To improve neural recording efficiency and spatial coverage by tailoring MEAs to brain anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework integrating anatomical analysis, surgical considerations, and device prototyping.
• Employed an iterative workflow for progressive refinement of MEA designs.
• Validated designs through electrophysiological and histological verification.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated improved access to targeted neural structures using anatomy-aware conformal designs.
• Enabled effective multi-region recordings through tailored MEA configurations.
• Case studies highlighted successful application in hippocampal and other brain regions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a practical and generalizable methodology for designing conformal penetrating MEAs.
• Anatomy-aware MEA designs enhance neural recording capabilities for basic and translational research.
• This approach complements existing technologies, providing a unified perspective for neural recording device development.