Synapses in the brain utilize two distinct communication mechanisms: chemical and electrical. For a comprehensive investigation of neural circuitry, neural interfaces should be capable of both monitoring and stimulating these types of physiological interactions. However, previously developed interfaces for neurotransmitter monitoring have been limited in interaction modality due to constraints in device size, fabrication techniques, and the usage of flexible materials. To address this obstacle, we propose a multifunctional and flexible fiber probe fabricated through the microwire codrawing thermal drawing process, which enables the high-density integration of functional components with various materials such as polymers, metals, and carbon fibers. The fiber enables real-time monitoring of transient dopamine release in vivo, real-time stimulation of cell-specific neuronal populations via optogenetic stimulation, single-unit electrophysiology of individual neurons localized to the tip of the neural probe, and chemical stimulation via drug delivery. This fiber will improve the accessibility and functionality of bidirectional interrogation of neurochemical mechanisms in implantable neural probes.

中文翻译：

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具有热拉纤维的多功能柔性神经探针，用于大脑中的双向突触探测

大脑中的突触利用两种不同的通信机制：化学和电。为了对神经回路进行全面的研究，神经接口应该能够监视和刺激这些类型的生理相互作用。然而，由于设备尺寸、制造技术和柔性材料的使用的限制，之前开发的用于神经递质监测的接口在交互方式上受到限制。为了解决这个障碍，我们提出了一种通过微丝共拉热拉工艺制造的多功能柔性光纤探针，它能够实现功能组件与聚合物、金属和碳纤维等各种材料的高密度集成。该纤维能够实时监测体内短暂的多巴胺释放，通过光遗传学刺激实时刺激细胞特异性神经元群，定位于神经探针尖端的单个神经元的单单元电生理学，以及通过药物输送进行化学刺激。这种纤维将提高植入式神经探针中神经化学机制双向询问的可及性和功能性。