Nanoelectrodes for Neuron Recording and Stimulation

Abstract

Effective electronic neuron interface requires tight attachment between electronic devices and neuron cells. However, it is the nature of living cells to maintain an extracellular cleft between their membrane and the substrate which they adhere to, and the cleft contribute to most of the signal leakage. Nano-scale electrodes could enable tight attachment to cell membrane and thus form good electrical coupling with cultured neuron cells. We fabricate nano-electrodes by focused ion beam (FIB) Pt deposition. The electrodes are vertical aligned, and with diameter of 200 nm and height of 1 um. We cultured cortical neurons on the substrates with nanoelectrode arrays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that neuron cells engulf nano-electrodes readily. The tight engulfment provides good electrical coupling between neuron cells and nano-electrodes. We also examine action potential recording and stimulation with nano-electrode arrays. Image 1 shows SEM images of neuron nano-electrodes interface. The cross section view of the interface is milled by FIB.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide