Polymer SU-8-based microprobes for neural recording and drug delivery

Abstract

This manuscript makes a reflection about SU-8-based microprobes for neural activity recording and drug delivery. By taking advantage of improvements in microfabrication technologies and using polymer SU-8 as the only structural material, we developed several microprobe prototypes aimed to (a) minimize injury in neural tissue, (b) obtain high-quality electrical signals, and (c) deliver drugs at a micrometer precision scale. Dedicated packaging tools have been developed in parallel to fulfill requirements concerning electric and fluidic connections, size and handling. After these advances have been experimentally proven in brain using in vivo preparation, the technological concepts developed during consecutive prototypes are discussed in-depth now.