Construction of simple, customised, brain-spanning, multi-channel, linear microelectrode arrays

Abstract

Background: The construction of multichannel micro-electrode arrays (MEA) generally requires complex and expensive procedures. Here we describe a simple, cheap, flexible method of linear MEA construction. New method: Our method allows manufacture of linear MEA (cross section ∼ 375 × 250 μm with 12 electrodes) of any desired length, with customized spacing of the electrode tips (down to a minimum spacing of 200 μm or less) to suit different needs and experiments. We describe the following steps: (1) set-up for MEA construction; (2) building of a construction jig; (3) building the reference, ground and optional electrical stimulation electrodes; (4) treatment of the main recording microwires; (5) soldering of the microwires to the main connector plug and arrangement of the microwires in a customizable array; and (6) testing of the MEA resistance and correct connections. Finally, we describe methods for quick surgical implantation of multiple MEAs and bipolar micro-stimulation electrodes for in vivo experiments in free-moving rats. Results: We provide examples of multi-site local field potentials from prolonged recordings in awake and free-moving rodents, with recordings viable for months, as well as samples of electrical stimulation effects on cortical and hippocampal recordings. Hippocampal recordings showed clear phase reversal and amplitude changes across its layers. Conclusions: We briefly discuss how the arrays can support other forms of stimulation such as optogenetic probes.