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Xu Y, Li BZ, Huang X, Liu Y, Liang Z, Yang X, Lin L, Wang L, Xia Y, Ridenour M, Huang Y, Yuan Z, Klug A, Pun SH, Lei TC, Zhang B. Sapphire-Based Optrode for Low Noise Neural Recording and Optogenetic Manipulation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2025; 16:628-641. [PMID: 39910858 PMCID: PMC12066107 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Electrophysiological recording of neurons in deep brain regions using optogenetic stimulation is a powerful method for understanding and regulating the role of complex neural activity in biological behavior and cognitive function. Optogenetic techniques have significantly advanced neuroscience research by enabling the optical manipulation of neural activities. Because of the significance of the technique, constant advancements in implantable optrodes that integrate optical stimulation with low-noise, large-scale electrophysiological recording are in demand to improve the spatiotemporal resolution for various experimental designs and future clinical applications. However, robust and easy-to-use neural optrodes that integrate neural recording arrays with high-intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) are still lacking. Here, we propose a neural optrode based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) on sapphire technology, which integrates a high-intensity blue LED with a 5 × 2 recording array monolithically for simultaneous neural recording and optogenetic manipulation. To reduce the noise interference between the recording electrodes and the LED, which is in close physical proximity, three metal grounding interlayers were incorporated within the optrode, and their ability to reduce LED-induced artifacts during neural recording was confirmed through both electromagnetic simulations and experimental demonstrations. The capability of the sapphire optrode to record action potentials has been demonstrated by recording the firing of mitral/tuft cells in the olfactory bulbs of mice in vivo. Additionally, the elevation of action potential firing due to optogenetic stimulation observed using the sapphire probe in medial superior olive (MSO) neurons of the gerbil auditory brainstem confirms the capability of this sapphire optrode to precisely access neural activities in deep brain regions under complex experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Ben-Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Xinlong Huang
- Reliability Physics and application Technology of Electronic Component Key Laboratory, China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute, Guangzhou, 511370, China
| | - Yuebo Liu
- Reliability Physics and application Technology of Electronic Component Key Laboratory, China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute, Guangzhou, 511370, China
| | - Zhiwen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xien Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Lizhang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Liyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Matthew Ridenour
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yujing Huang
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Achim Klug
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sio Hang Pun
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Tim C. Lei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Baijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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Park D, Jeong H, Choi J, Han J, Piao H, Kim J, Park S, Song M, Kim D, Sung J, Cheong E, Choi H. Enhancing Flexible Neural Probe Performance via Platinum Deposition: Impedance Stability under Various Conditions and In Vivo Neural Signal Monitoring. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:1058. [PMID: 39203708 PMCID: PMC11356038 DOI: 10.3390/mi15081058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring neural activity in the central nervous system often utilizes silicon-based microelectromechanical system (MEMS) probes. Despite their effectiveness in monitoring, these probes have a fragility issue, limiting their application across various fields. This study introduces flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) neural probes characterized by robust mechanical and electrical properties. The probes demonstrate low impedance after platinum coating, making them suitable for multiunit recordings in awake animals. This capability allows for the simultaneous monitoring of a large population of neurons in the brain, including cluster data. Additionally, these probes exhibit no fractures, mechanical failures, or electrical issues during repeated-bending tests, both during handling and monitoring. Despite the possibility of using this neural probe for signal measurement in awake animals, simply applying a platinum coating may encounter difficulties in chronic tests and other applications. Furthermore, this suggests that FPCB probes can be advanced by any method and serve as an appropriate type of tailorable neural probes for monitoring neural systems in awake animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daerl Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Hyeonyeong Jeong
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jungsik Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Juyeon Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Honglin Piao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Seonghoon Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Mingu Song
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Dowoo Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Jaesuk Sung
- Nformare Inc., Seodamun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Heonjin Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (D.P.); (J.C.); (J.H.); (H.P.); (J.K.); (S.P.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
- Nformare Inc., Seodamun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
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Xu Y, Yang X, Liang Z, Lin L, Zhao W, Wang L, Xia Y, Lin X, Vai MI, Pun SH, Zhang B. An Integrated Neural Optrode with Modification of Polymer-Carbon Composite Films for Suppression of the Photoelectric Artifacts. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:33119-33129. [PMID: 39100334 PMCID: PMC11292809 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics-based integrated photoelectrodes with high spatiotemporal resolution play an important role in studying complex neural activities. However, the photostimulation artifacts caused by the high level of integration and the high impedance of metal recording electrodes still hinder the application of photoelectrodes for optogenetic studies of neural circuits. In this study, a neural optrode fabricated on sapphire GaN material was proposed, and 4 μLEDs and 14 recording microelectrodes were monolithically integrated on a shank. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrenesulfonate and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PEDOT:PSS-MWCNT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and graphene oxide (PEDOT-GO) composite films were deposited on the surface of the recording microelectrode by electrochemical deposition. The results demonstrate that compared with the gold microelectrode, the impedances of both composite films reduced by more than 98%, and the noise amplitudes decreased by 70.73 and 87.15%, respectively, when exposed to light stimulation. Adjusting the high and low levels, we further reduced the noise amplitude by 48.3%. These results indicate that modifying the electrode surface by a polymer composite film can effectively enhance the performance of the microelectrode and further promote the application of the optrode in the field of neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Xu
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xien Yang
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhiwen Liang
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Lizhang Lin
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenbo Zhao
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Liyang Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yu Xia
- State
Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Xudong Lin
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Mang I. Vai
- State
Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Sio Hang Pun
- State
Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Baijun Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School
of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Ji B, Gao K. Editorial for the Special Issue on Wearable and Implantable Bio-MEMS Devices and Applications. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:955. [PMID: 39203606 PMCID: PMC11356249 DOI: 10.3390/mi15080955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Wearable and implantable bio-MEMS sensors and actuators have attracted tremendous attention in the fields of health monitoring, disease treatment, and human-machine interaction, to name but a few [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Ji
- Unmanned System Research Institute, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- National Key Laboratory of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology, Integrated Research and Development Platform of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Systems for Aerospace, School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Kunpeng Gao
- College of Information Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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Pimenta S, Freitas JR, Correia JH. Flexible neural probes: a review of the current advantages, drawbacks, and future demands. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:153-167. [PMID: 38303498 PMCID: PMC10835206 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Brain diseases affect millions of people and have a huge social and economic impact. The use of neural probes for studies in animals has been the main approach to increasing knowledge about neural network functioning. Ultimately, neuroscientists are trying to develop new and more effective therapeutic approaches to treating neurological disorders. The implementation of neural probes with multifunctionalities (electrical, optical, and fluidic interactions) has been increasing in the last few years, leading to the creation of devices with high temporal and spatial resolution. Increasing the applicability of, and elements integrated into, neural probes has also led to the necessity to create flexible interfaces, reducing neural tissue damage during probe implantation and increasing the quality of neural acquisition data. In this paper, we review the fabrication, characterization, and validation of several types of flexible neural probes, exploring the main advantages and drawbacks of these devices. Finally, future developments and applications are covered. Overall, this review aims to present the currently available flexible devices and future appropriate avenues for development as possible guidance for future engineered devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pimenta
- CMEMS-UMinho, University of Minho, Guimares 4800-058, Portugal.
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimares, Portugal.
| | - Joo R Freitas
- CMEMS-UMinho, University of Minho, Guimares 4800-058, Portugal
| | - Jos H Correia
- CMEMS-UMinho, University of Minho, Guimares 4800-058, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimares, Portugal
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Luo J, Xue N, Chen J. A Review: Research Progress of Neural Probes for Brain Research and Brain-Computer Interface. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12121167. [PMID: 36551135 PMCID: PMC9775442 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Neural probes, as an invasive physiological tool at the mesoscopic scale, can decipher the code of brain connections and communications from the cellular or even molecular level, and realize information fusion between the human body and external machines. In addition to traditional electrodes, two new types of neural probes have been developed in recent years: optoprobes based on optogenetics and magnetrodes that record neural magnetic signals. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of these three kinds of neural probes. We firstly discuss the development of microelectrodes and strategies for their flexibility, which is mainly represented by the selection of flexible substrates and new electrode materials. Subsequently, the concept of optogenetics is introduced, followed by the review of several novel structures of optoprobes, which are divided into multifunctional optoprobes integrated with microfluidic channels, artifact-free optoprobes, three-dimensional drivable optoprobes, and flexible optoprobes. At last, we introduce the fundamental perspectives of magnetoresistive (MR) sensors and then review the research progress of magnetrodes based on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiamin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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