Work

Hybrid electrical and optical neural interfaces

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Neural interfaces bridge the nervous system and the outside world by recording and stimulating neurons. Combining electrical and optical modalities in a single, hybrid neural interface system could lead to complementary and powerful new ways to explore the brain. It has gained robust and exciting momentum recently in neuroscience and neural engineering research. Here, we review developments in the past several years aiming to achieve such hybrid electrical and optical microsystem platforms. Specifically, we cover three major categories of technological advances: transparent neuroelectrodes, optical neural fibers with electrodes, and neural probes/grids integrating electrodes and microscale light-emitting diodes. We discuss examples of these probes tailored to combine electrophysiological recording with optical imaging or optical neural stimulation of the brain and possible directions of future innovation.

Source: Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6439/abeb30

Authors: Zeinab Ramezani, Kyung Jin Seo, Hui Fang

Institution: Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity

Awards: Novel Transparent, Ultra-soft Neuroelectrode Arrays Based on Nanomeshing Conventional Electrode Materials, CAREER: Transforming Neural Interfaces Using Stretchable, Transparent, Multifunctional Nanomesh Microelectrodes, G7529577589