The NeuroProbes Project – Multifunctional Probe Arrays for Neural Recording and Stimulation

This paper summarizes recent advances of the NeuroProbes project, a 4-year Integrated Project funded by the European Commission under the Information Society Technologies (IST) topic of the 6 Framework Program. NeuroProbes aims at the development of multifunctional probe arrays comprising a 3-dimensional (3D) arrangement of recording and stimulation electrodes in conjunction with microfluidic functionality and integrated biosensors. The silicon based probes with planar electrodes are available as single shafts, in a comb-like arrangement and as 3D arrays for both, acute and chronic applications. The modular system concept and respective fabrication technology allows for a slim design of the 3D array conducive to its floating application. Initial recording and stimulation experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the concept and showed stable recordings of single and multiple unit activity as well as local field potential measurements over a time frame of one week.