Liang Li, Oline Stefan N, Kirk Justin C, Schmitt Lukas Ian, Komorowski Robert W, Remondes Miguel, Halassa Michael M
Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York NY, USA.
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA.
Front Neural Circuits. 2017 Feb 13;11:8. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00008. eCollection 2017.
Independently adjustable multielectrode arrays are routinely used to interrogate neuronal circuit function, enabling chronic monitoring of neuronal ensembles in freely behaving animals at a single-cell, single spike resolution. Despite the importance of this approach, its widespread use is limited by highly specialized design and fabrication methods. To address this, we have developed a Scalable, Lightweight, Integrated and Quick-to-assemble multielectrode array platform. This platform additionally integrates optical fibers with independently adjustable electrodes to allow simultaneous single unit recordings and circuit-specific optogenetic targeting and/or manipulation. In current designs, the fully assembled platforms are scalable from 2 to 32 microdrives, and yet range 1-3 g, light enough for small animals. Here, we describe the design process starting from intent in computer-aided design, parameter testing through finite element analysis and experimental means, and implementation of various applications across mice and rats. Combined, our methods may expand the utility of multielectrode recordings and their continued integration with other tools enabling functional dissection of intact neural circuits.
独立可调多电极阵列通常用于探究神经回路功能，能够在自由活动的动物中以单细胞、单峰分辨率对神经元群体进行长期监测。尽管这种方法很重要，但其广泛应用受到高度专业化的设计和制造方法的限制。为了解决这个问题，我们开发了一种可扩展、轻量化、集成化且易于组装的多电极阵列平台。该平台还将光纤与独立可调电极集成在一起，以实现同时进行单单元记录以及针对特定回路的光遗传学靶向和/或操纵。在当前设计中，完全组装好的平台可扩展至2到32个微驱动器，重量在1 - 3克之间，对小动物来说足够轻。在此，我们描述了从计算机辅助设计的意图出发，通过有限元分析和实验手段进行参数测试，以及在小鼠和大鼠中实现各种应用的设计过程。综合起来，我们的方法可能会扩展多电极记录的用途，并使其继续与其他工具集成，从而实现对完整神经回路的功能剖析。
