Flexible and stretchable opto-electric neural interface for low-noise electrocorticogram recordings and neuromodulation in vivo

Biosens Bioelectron. 2020 Apr 1:153:112009. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112009. Epub 2020 Jan 9.

Abstract

Optogenetic-based neuromodulation tools is evolving for the basic neuroscience research in animals combining optical manipulation and electrophysiological recordings. However, current opto-electric integrated devices attaching on cerebral cortex for electrocorticogram (ECoG) still exist potential damage risks for both brain tissue and electrode, due to the mechanical mismatch and brain deformation. Here, we propose a stretchable opto-electric integrated neural interface by integrating serpentine-shaped electrodes and multisite micro-LEDs onto a hyperelastic substrate, as well as a serpentine-shaped metal shielding embedded in recording electrode for low-noise signal acquisition. The delicate structure design, ultrasoft encapsulation and independent fabrication followed by assembly are beneficial to the conformality, reliability and yield. In vitro accelerated deterioration and reciprocating tensile have demonstrated good performance and high stability. In vivo optogenetic activation of focal cortical areas of awaked mouse expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 is realized with simultaneous high-quality recording. We highlight the potential use of this multifunctional neural interface for neural applications.

Keywords: Electrocorticogram recordings; Low-noise; Micro-LEDs; Opto-electric neural interface; Optogenetics; Stretchability.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Channelrhodopsins / genetics
  • Electrocorticography / instrumentation*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Equipment Design
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Microelectrodes
  • Models, Animal
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Channelrhodopsins
  • Metals
  • Neurotransmitter Agents