Multimodal functional analysis platform: 2. Development of Si opto-electro multifunctional neural probe with multiple optical waveguides and embedded optical fiber for optogenetics

We have developed a Si opt-electro multifunctional neural probe with multiple waveguides and embedded optical fiber for highly accurate optical stimulation. The Si opt-electro multifunctional neural probe had 16 recording sites, three optical waveguides, and metal cover for suppressing light leakage. The other opt-electro multifunctional neural probe had an optical fiber in the trench of the probe shank, which leads to fewer damages to tissues. We evaluated the electrochemical properties of the recording sites and confirmed that the neural probe had suitable characteristics for neural recording. We also demonstrated the optical stimulation to the neurons expressing ChR2 using our probe. As a result, we succeeded in multisite optical stimulation and observed that no light leakage from the optical waveguides because of the metal cover. From in vivo experiments, we successfully recorded optically modulated local field potential using the fabricated Si neural probe with optical waveguides. Moreover, we applied current source density analysis to the recorded LFPs. As a result, we confirmed that the light-induced membrane current sinks in the locally stimulated area. The Si opto-electro multifunctional neural probe is one of the most versatile tools for optogenetics.