Self-Assembled Origami Neural Probes for Scalable, Multifunctional, Three-Dimensional Neural Interface

Yan, D.; Ruiz, J. R. L.; Hsieh, M.-L.; Jeong, D.; Voroslakos, M.; Lanzio, V.; Warner, E. V.; Ko, E.; Tian, Y.; Patel, P. R.; ElBidweihy, H.; Smith, C. S.; Lee, J.-H.; Cheon, J.; Buzsaki, G.; Yoon, E.

doi:10.1101/2024.04.25.591141

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.04.25.591141

Self-Assembled Origami Neural Probes for Scalable, Multifunctional, Three-Dimensional Neural Interface

Yan, D.·Ruiz, J. R. L.·Hsieh, M.-L.·Jeong, D.·Voroslakos, M.·Lanzio, V.·Warner, E. V.·Ko, E.·Tian, Y.·Patel, P. R.·ElBidweihy, H.·Smith, C. S.·Lee, J.-H.·Cheon, J.·Buzsaki, G.·Yoon, E.

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Abstract

Flexible intracortical neural probes have drawn attention for their enhanced longevity in high-resolution neural recordings due to reduced tissue reaction. However, the conventional monolithic fabrication approach has met significant challenges in: (i) scaling the number of recording sites for electrophysiology; (ii) integrating of other physiological sensing and modulation; and (iii) configuring into three-dimensional (3D) shapes for multi-sided electrode arrays. We report an innovative self-assembly technology that allows for implementing flexible origami neural probes as an effective alternative to overcome these challenges. By using magnetic-field-assisted hybrid self-assembly, multiple probes with various modalities can be stacked on top of each other with precise alignment. Using this approach, we demonstrated a multifunctional device with scalable high-density recording sites, dopamine sensors and a temperature sensor integrated on a single flexible probe. Simultaneous large-scale, high-spatial-resolution electrophysiology was demonstrated along with local temperature sensing and dopamine concentration monitoring. A high-density 3D origami probe was assembled by wrapping planar probes around a thin fiber in a diameter of 80[~]105 m using optimal foldable design and capillary force. Directional optogenetic modulation could be achieved with illumination from the neuron-sized micro-LEDs (LEDs) integrated on the surface of 3D origami probes. We could identify angular heterogeneous single-unit signals and neural connectivity 360{degrees} surrounding the probe. The probe longevity was validated by chronic recordings of 64-channel stacked probes in behaving mice for up to 140 days. With the modular, customizable assembly technologies presented, we demonstrated a novel and highly flexible solution to accommodate multifunctional integration, channel scaling, and 3D array configuration.

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Yan, D., Ruiz, J. R. L., Hsieh, M.-L., Jeong, D., Voroslakos, M., Lanzio, V., Warner, E. V., Ko, E., Tian, Y., Patel, P. R., ElBidweihy, H., Smith, C. S., Lee, J.-H., Cheon, J., Buzsaki, G., Yoon, E.. 2024-04-28. Self-Assembled Origami Neural Probes for Scalable, Multifunctional, Three-Dimensional Neural Interface. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.25.591141

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