MicroElectrode Array (MEA), a way to access to the Neural code for in-vitro and in-vivo applications, principle and fabrication

Summary form only given. There is a real interest to develop neuroprostheses and brain machine interfaces: those applications witness an exponential growth since the success of cochlear implants and of deep brain stimulation for Parkinsonian patients. Neuroprostheses can either be surface electrodes, meaning the electrodes are simply in contact with the glial surface of the neuronal tissues such as the cortex, or penetrating electrodes reaching deeper neuronal structures in the brain. Recently, the concept of retinal prostheses was validated in clinical trials showing that such prostheses can enable blind patients to read short words, identify contrasted object or follow lanes on the floor.