Hybrid fabrication of multimodal intracranial implants for electrophysiology and local drug delivery

New fabrication approaches for mechanically flexible implants hold the key to advancing the applications of neuroengineering in fundamental neuroscience and clinic. By combining the high precision of thin film microfabrication with the versatility of additive manufacturing, we demonstrate a straight-forward approach for the prototyping of intracranial implants with electrode arrays and microfluidic channels. We show that the implant can modulate neuronal activity in the hippocampus through localized drug delivery, while simultaneously recording brain activity by its electrodes. Moreover, good implant stability and minimal tissue response are seen one-week post-implantation. Our work shows the potential of hybrid fabrication combining different manufacturing techniques in neurotechnology and paves the way for a new approach to the development of multimodal implants.

Automated summary

New fabrication approaches for mechanically flexible implants combining thin film microfabrication and additive manufacturing have been demonstrated. These implants with electrode arrays and microfluidic channels can modulate neuronal activity in the hippocampus through localized drug delivery while recording brain activity by its electrodes. The good implant stability and minimal tissue response observed in this study suggest the potential of hybrid fabrication in neurotechnology for the development of multimodal implants.