Utah optrode array customization using stereotactic brain atlases and 3-D CAD modeling for optogenetic neocortical interrogation in small rodents and nonhuman primates

Optogenetics in primate cortical networks

The implementation of optogenetics in studies on non-human primates has generally proven quite difficult, but recent successes have paved the way for its rapid increase. Limitations in the genetic tractability in primates, have been somewhat overcome by implementing tailored vectors and promoters to maximize expression and specificity in primates. More recently, implantable devices, including microLED arrays, have made it possible to deliver light deeper into brain tissue, allowing targeting of deeper structures. However, the greatest limitation in applying optogenetics to the primate brain is the complex connections that exist within many neural circuits. In the past, relatively cruder methods such as cooling or pharmacological blockade have been used to examine neural circuit functions, though their limitations were well recognized. In some ways, similar shortcomings remain for optogenetics, with the ability to target a single component of complex neural circuits being the greatest challenge in applying optogenetics to systems neuroscience in primate brains. Despite this, some recent approaches combining Cre-expressing and Cre-dependent vectors have overcome some of these limitations. Here we suggest that optogenetics provides its greatest advantage to systems neuroscientists when applied as a specific tool to complement the techniques of the past, rather than necessarily replacing them.

Computational microscopy for fast widefield deep-tissue fluorescence imaging using a commercial dual-cannula probe

A solid-glass cannula serves as a micro-endoscope that can deliver excitation light deep inside tissue while also collecting emitted fluorescence. Then, we utilize deep neural networks to reconstruct images from the collected intensity distributions. By using a commercially available dual-cannula probe, and training a separate deep neural network for each cannula, we effectively double the field of view compared to prior work. We demonstrated ex vivo imaging of fluorescent beads and brain slices and in vivo imaging from whole brains. We clearly resolved 4 μm beads, with FOV from each cannula of 0.2 mm (diameter), and produced images from a depth of ~1.2 mm in the whole brain, currently limited primarily by the labeling. Since no scanning is required, fast widefield fluorescence imaging limited primarily by the brightness of the fluorophores, collection efficiency of our system, and the frame rate of the camera becomes possible.

Multisite microLED optrode array for neural interfacing

We present an electrically addressable optrode array capable of delivering light to 181 sites in the brain, each providing sufficient light to optogenetically excite thousands of neurons in vivo, developed with the aim to allow behavioral studies in large mammals. The device is a glass microneedle array directly integrated with a custom fabricated microLED device, which delivers light to 100 needle tips and 81 interstitial surface sites, giving two-level optogenetic excitation of neurons in vivo. Light delivery and thermal properties are evaluated, with the device capable of peak irradiances > 80    mW / mm 2 per needle site. The device consists of an array of 181 80    μ m × 80    μ m 2 microLEDs, fabricated on a 150 - μ m -thick GaN-on-sapphire wafer, coupled to a glass needle array on a 150 - μ m thick backplane. A pinhole layer is patterned on the sapphire side of the microLED array to reduce stray light. Future designs are explored through optical and thermal modeling and benchmarked against the current device.

Fabrication and Characterization of Micro-Nano Electrodes for Implantable BCI

Signal recording and stimulation with high spatial and temporal resolution are of increasing interest with the development of implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, implantable BCI technology still faces challenges in the biocompatibility and long-term stability of devices after implantation. Due to the cone structure, needle electrodes have advantages in the biocompatibility and stability as nerve recording electrodes. This paper develops the fabrication of Ag needle micro/nano electrodes with a laser-assisted pulling method and modifies the electrode surface by electrochemical oxidation. A significant impedance reduction of the modified Ag/AgCl electrodes compared to the Ag electrodes is demonstrated by the electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). Furthermore, the stability of modified Ag/AgCl electrodes is confirmed by cyclic voltammogram (CV) scanning. These findings suggest that these micro/nano electrodes have a great application prospect in neural interfaces.

Implantable Neural Probes for Brain-Machine Interfaces - Current Developments and Future Prospects

A Brain-Machine interface (BMI) allows for direct communication between the brain and machines. Neural probes for recording neural signals are among the essential components of a BMI system. In this report, we review research regarding implantable neural probes and their applications to BMIs. We first discuss conventional neural probes such as the tetrode, Utah array, Michigan probe, and electroencephalography (ECoG), following which we cover advancements in next-generation neural probes. These next-generation probes are associated with improvements in electrical properties, mechanical durability, biocompatibility, and offer a high degree of freedom in practical settings. Specifically, we focus on three key topics: (1) novel implantable neural probes that decrease the level of invasiveness without sacrificing performance, (2) multi-modal neural probes that measure both electrical and optical signals, (3) and neural probes developed using advanced materials. Because safety and precision are critical for practical applications of BMI systems, future studies should aim to enhance these properties when developing next-generation neural probes.