Abstract
Brain diseases affect millions of people and have a huge social and economic impact. The use of neural probes for studies in animals has been the main approach to increasing knowledge about neural network functioning. Ultimately, neuroscientists are trying to develop new and more effective therapeutic approaches to treating neurological disorders. The implementation of neural probes with multifunctionalities (electrical, optical, and fluidic interactions) has been increasing in the last few years, leading to the creation of devices with high temporal and spatial resolution. Increasing the applicability of, and elements integrated into, neural probes has also led to the necessity to create flexible interfaces, reducing neural tissue damage during probe implantation and increasing the quality of neural acquisition data. In this paper, we review the fabrication, characterization, and validation of several types of flexible neural probes, exploring the main advantages and drawbacks of these devices. Finally, future developments and applications are covered. Overall, this review aims to present the currently available flexible devices and future appropriate avenues for development as possible guidance for future engineered devices.
摘要
脑部疾病影响着数百万人,并对社会和经济产生巨大影响。在动物研究中,神经探针的应用一直是增进神经网络功能知识的主要途径。神经科学家正在努力开发新型且更加有效的神经疾病治疗方法。近年来,多功能神经探针(包括电学、光学和流体相互作用)的研发不断增加,产生了更高时空分辨率的设备。增加神经探针的适用性以及集成元素,促进了柔性接口的需求,减少了探针植入期间对神经组织的损伤,并提高了神经采集数据的质量。本文综述了几种柔性神经探针的制备、表征和验证,探讨了这些器件的主要优缺点。最后,对其今后的发展及应用作了展望。总体而言,本综述旨在介绍目前可用的柔性神经探针设备及其未来可能的发展途径,为未来设备设计提供指导。
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the CMEMS-UMinho Strategic Project (Nos. UIDB/04436/2020 and UIDP/04436/2020) and the MPhotonBiopsy (No. PTDC/FIS-OTI/1259/2020; https://doi.org/10.54499/PTDC/FIS-OTI/1259/2020). João R. FREITAS thanks Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) for the Ph.D. grant (No. 2020.07708.BD). Sara PIMENTA thanks FCT for the grant (No. 2022.00101.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0008; https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.00101.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0008).
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Sara PIMENTA was involved in conceptualization, investigation, writing – original draft, writing – review and editing, and visualization. João R. FREITAS was involved in conceptualization, investigation, and writing – review and editing. José H. CORREIA was involved in writing – review and editing and supervision. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
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Pimenta, S., Freitas, J.R. & Correia, J.H. Flexible neural probes: a review of the current advantages, drawbacks, and future demands. J. Zhejiang Univ. Sci. B 25, 153–167 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2300337
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2300337