Fiber-Robot with Adjustable Electrodes for Long Term Neural Recording

Multi-electrode neural recording methods, such as the design of the popular Michigan electrode, allow multi-location, multi-neuron recording. Such electrodes consist of metal pads situated on a rigid surface, inserted into the brain. The electrodes are positioned to achieve the best signal; however, with a rigid substrate, it is impossible to optimize all signals. Additionally, after insertion glial scarring and neural migration can change the signal. We present, in collaboration with Virginia Tech, a prototype of a novel fiber-robot probe, with individually controllable electrode arms - capable of moving through gels with mouse brain modulus, which will be able to detect and position the arms in the best location for neural sensing. The device consists of a thermally drawn fiber, containing sense and actuate signal wires, developed by Virginia Tech, bonded to an actuating base, utilizing the Cohen group's scalably strong palladium bulk electrochemical actuators. With a fabricated prototype, initial testing in agarose gel of applicability of electrode as a neural sensor, the robot's strength, and electrical tracking ability will be presented.