Development and in vivo testing of reconfigurable neural probes for chronic electrical recording

Abstract

We present the successful in vivo testing of a triggerable, reconfigurable neural probe designed to record neural activity in the central nervous system for extended periods of time. The probe consists of a thin polyimide-gold-polyimide sandwich structure that can be deflected prior to insertion to store mechanical energy. After inserting into the brain and waiting for the initial glial sheath to form, the device can be triggered, causing the recording tip of the device to penetrate into fresh tissue. Here we present the first in vivo triggering and acute electrical recordings from this device in the rodent motor cortex, demonstrating the essential device functionality.