High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Extracellular Recording of Neuronal Activity With Microfabricated Electrode Arrays

Abstract

Microelectrode array recordings of neuronal activity present significant opportunities for studying the brain with single-cell and spike-time precision. However, challenges in device manufacturing constrain dense multisite recordings to two spatial dimensions, whereas access to the three-dimensional (3D) structure of many brain regions appears to remain a challenge. To overcome this limitation, we present two novel recording modalities of silicon-based devices aimed at establishing 3D functionality. First, we fabricated a dual-side electrode array by patterning recording sites on both the front and back of an implantable microstructure. We found that the majority of single-unit spikes could not be simultaneously detected from both sides, suggesting that in addition to providing higher spatial resolution measurements than that of single-side devices, dual-side arrays also lead to increased recording yield. Second, we obtained recordings along three principal directions with a multilayer array and demonstrated 3D spike source localization within the enclosed measurement space. The large-scale integration of such dual-side and multilayer arrays is expected to provide massively parallel recording capabilities in the brain.

Dual-side and three-dimensional microelectrode arrays fabricated from ultra-thin silicon substrates

“…Despite the challenges of handling such fragile wafers, they appear to offer a unique opportunity to develop high-density arrays with dual-side and 3D recording capabilities. The dualside array concept has been shown to afford measurement of spiking neurons whose signals would have been electrically shielded beyond the limit of detection by conventional singleside arrays [15]. The development of these recording functionalities is thus important to obtaining a more accurate picture of neuronal activity in the implanted region.…”

Large-scale, high-density (up to 512 channels) recording of local circuits in behaving animals

“…Whereas silicon probe technology is poised to offer everlarger site numbers and smaller volume probes (Du et al 2009(Du et al , 2011, significant improvements and miniaturization are needed at the level of headstage interconnects, signal multiplexing, ultraflexible connection between the animal and the recording equipment, and signal processing (Du et al 2011;Szuts et al 2011;Vandecasteele et al 2012). One critical aspect of miniaturization is the deployment of signal multiplexers.…”

Large-scale recording of thalamocortical circuits: in vivo electrophysiology with the two-dimensional electronic depth control silicon probe

“…Over the past few decades, single-wire electrodes used for in vivo extracellular recording of action potentials evolved into multielectrode arrays covering the range of up to 1,000 recording sites (Bai and Wise 2001;Berényi et al 2014;Blanche et al 2005;Bragin et al 2000;Campbell et al 1991;Chen et al 2009;Cheung 2007;Csicsvari et al 2003;Drake et al 1988;Du et al 2009Du et al , 2011Grand et al 2011;Karmos et al 1982;Khodagholy et al 2015;Kipke et al 2008;Kubie 1984;Lopez et al 2014;Márton et al 2015;McNaughton et al 1983;Michon et al 2016;Okeefe and Recce 1993;Ruther et al 2010;Ruther and Paul 2015;Scholvin et al 2016;Seidl et al 2011Seidl et al , 2012Shobe et al 2015;Torfs et al 2011;Wilson and McNaughton 1993;Wise et al 1970Wise et al , 2008. With such a high number of recording sites neuroscientists are able to monitor the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously both in anesthetized and in freely moving animals (Berényi et al 2014;Ifft et al 2013;Nicolelis et al 2003;Vandecasteele et al 2012), which is fundamental for the understanding of complex neuronal computations and higher order cognitive functions, such as learning, memory, or language (Buzsáki 2004).…”