Novel Transparent, Ultra-soft Neuroelectrode Arrays Based on Nanomeshing Conventional Electrode Materials

摘要 将光学方法与电生理学方法大规模有效地联合收割机结合起来的兴趣越来越大 并具有很高的精度，以充分利用互补的空间和时间分辨率优势， 两种技术。人们还广泛认识到，器械柔软度和顺应性是 显著降低组织损伤和刺激并随时间保持信号质量。我们的长远目标是（一） 将电生理学与光学脑记录/刺激无缝地大规模融合， 高时空分辨率的大脑活动映射，它既捕捉了最精细的空间复杂性， 神经元电路和神经元通信的最快时间动力学以及（ii）集成电极阵列 与脑组织无缝连接此R01应用程序的目标是实现这些目标的第一步， 目标，是开发和验证一种新的神经电子工具，提供最先进的 电生理能力，同时允许光学和慢性生物相容性， 关键是通过整个MEA的光学透明性和机械超柔软性实现，沿着 其他工程项目。我们对应对这两大挑战充满雄心，因为 统一技术理念，纳米网格化常规电极材料。 在我们之前的工作中，我们提出了这种新的电极概念，这导致了 具有高性能的透明柔性电极，尺寸小至15 × 15 µ m2，并具有记录能力 单单位尖峰在这个应用中，我们的目标是证明：这种纳米网格的概念可以导致100秒的电极， 规模，高密度，透明和超软电极阵列，同时允许的能力， (i)有效地将电记录/刺激与体内光学成像整合，以及（ii） 单一单位的记录。这一概念的证明将很容易实现稳定的、并发的电/光 研究大脑在毫米到厘米的规模与进一步的可扩展性，同时也提供了独特的 通过可持续的神经修复术进行下一代治疗干预的机会。在三间- 相关的目标，我们将开发和验证概念验证，纳米网微电极为基础的，透明的， 具有至少256个高性能纳米网微电极的超软高密度（NANOMESH）阵列， 人工制品通过跨学科的3年计划拒绝无线数据链路集成创新技术 基本神经科学测试的发展。我们将在体内将我们的设备与行业标准进行基准测试， 并在整个项目的设计、测试和验证阶段集成神经工程反馈。 该项目利用了材料科学家，神经工程师， 电子工程师和神经科学家将透明的纳米网技术转化为大规模的大脑， 标测工具和可植入装置。

Abstract There is a growing interest to effectively combine optical approaches with electrophysiology at large scale and with great precision to fully leverage the complementary spatial and temporal resolution advantages of both techniques. It is also widely recognized that device softness and compliance are important attributes to dramatically lower tissue injury and irritation and maintain signal quality over time. Our long-term goals are (i) to converge electrophysiology with optical brain recording/stimulation seamlessly at the large scale to achieve high-spatiotemporal-resolution brain activity mapping which captures both the finest spatial intricacies of the neuronal circuit and fastest temporal dynamics of neuronal communication and (ii) to integrate electrode arrays seamlessly with the brain tissue. The objective of this R01 application, which is the first step in achieving these goals, is to develop and validate a novel neuroelectronic tool which provides state-of-the-art electrophysiological capabilities while allowing at the same time, optical and chronic-bio- compatibilities, realized critically through the optical transparency and mechanical ultra-softness of the entire MEA, along with other engineering efforts. We are very ambitious about tackling both of these two big challenges because of a unified technical concept, nanomeshing conventional electrode materials. In our prior work, we have proposed this novel electrode concept, which has led to the demonstration of transparent, flexible electrodes with high performance of sizes down to 15×15µm2, and with the ability to record single-unit spikes. In this application, we aim to prove: this nanomeshing concept can lead to 100s-electrode- scale, high-density, transparent and ultra-soft electrode arrays that simultaneously allow both the capability of (i) effectively integrating electrical recordings/stimulation with optical imaging in vivo, and (ii) chronic stability of single-unit recordings. The proof of this concept will readily enable stable, concurrent electrical/optical investigations of the brain at the mm-to-cm scale with further scalability, while also providing unique opportunities for next-generation therapeutic interventions via sustainable neural prosthetics. In three inter- related aims, we will develop and validate proof-of-concept, nanomesh-microelectrode-based, transparent, ultra-soft, high-density (NANOMESH) array with at least 256 high-performance nanomesh microelectrodes and artifact rejecting wireless data link through an interdisciplinary 3-year plan integrating innovative technological developments with basic neuroscience testing. We will benchmark our devices to industry standards in vivo, and integrate neural engineering feedback throughout the design, testing and validation phases of the project. This project leverages a vibrant and successful collaboration between material scientists, neuro-engineers, electrical engineers, and neuroscientists to translate transparent nanomesh technology into large-scale brain- mapping tools and implantable devices.