Development of Modular Multifunctional Probe Arrays for Cerebral Applications

Recordings from the brain have been used for decades to investigate the activity of individual neurons. However, the complex interaction between electrical and chemical signals with respect to short and long term changes of morphology and information transfer is still poorly understood. We introduce a new modular approach for multifunctional probe arrays for cerebral applications that will enable the addressing of fundamental questions in neuroscience. Our approach allows the individual assembly of multiple probes with customized architecture into three-dimensional arrays to address specific brain regions, including sulci of highly folded cortices such as those of humans. In this paper, we introduce the system approach that allows the integration of recording and stimulation electrodes, biosensors, microfluidics and integrated electronics, all sharing a common backbone. We present the first prototypes of multichannel electrodes, flexible ribbon cables, a backbone platform and the first telemetry unit.