Flexible cortical Multi-electrode array implant for neural recording in minipig

Multi-Electrode Arrays are key neuronal interfacing systems in neurophysiological and clinical research to better understand healthy and pathological neural network. In neuronal implant domain, one of the major challenge is to... [ view full abstract ]

Multi-Electrode Arrays are key neuronal interfacing systems in neurophysiological and clinical research to better understand healthy and pathological neural network. In neuronal implant domain, one of the major challenge is to propose a biocompatible device that remain stable over a long period of time. Flexible implants are promising to reduce tissue damage and inflammation on the long term, as they limit the frictions at the implant tissue interface.
Based on the micro and nano technologies, we fabricate a fully flexible 256 microelectrodes. Several biocompatible polymers can be used to achieve the implant that allow to vary and test different implant thicknesses (range between 5 to 20 µm). The MEA implant is arranged in several independent strips that cover most of the cortical surface, and shape the brain regions in order to keep a close contact distance from neural tissue, reduce micromotions, and avoid implant displacement.
Electrochemical characterization of electrodes will be achieved and biocompatibility of the implant will be assessed on rat primary cortical cells cultures.
Performance and stability of this device will be tested for in-vivo cortical recording in the minipig.