Ultraflexible Neural Electrodes for Long-Lasting Intracortical Recording

iScience. 2020 Aug 21;23(8):101387. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101387. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Abstract

Implanted electrodes provide one of the most important neurotechniques for fundamental and translational neurosciences by permitting time-resolved electrical detection of individual neurons in vivo. However, conventional rigid electrodes typically cannot provide stable, long-lasting recordings. Numerous interwoven biotic and abiotic factors at the tissue-electrode interface lead to short- and long-term instability of the recording performance. Making neural electrodes flexible provides a promising approach to mitigate these challenges on the implants and at the tissue-electrode interface. Here we review the recent progress of ultraflexible neural electrodes and discuss the engineering principles, the material properties, and the implantation strategies to achieve stable tissue-electrode interface and reliable unit recordings in living brains.

Keywords: Bioelectrical Engingeering; Bioelectronics; Techniques in Neuroscience.

Publication types

  • Review