Development of Multifunction Flexible Neural Probe Integrate Optical Fiber

Abstract

Recently optical stimulation has been reported as an alternative to electrical stimulation with potential advantages such as noncontact stimulation and investigated to selectively stimulate the specific nerves because , electrical stimulation may damage the neurons and also suffers from poor spatial resolution limited by propagation of electrical pulse through neurons and solution. In this study, we report a neural probe which can achieve optical stimulation though aligned optical fiber with fiber guide, chemical stimulation though micro-channel and extracellular neural signal recording though platinum electrodes. Especially, all of the micro-channel, fiber guide and shank parts were fabricated of the biocompatible and flexible polymer SU-8. And etched fiber positioned fiber guide and polymer micro channel can optical and chemical stimulation is enough to stimulate neurons.