Objective. Multimodal measurements at the neuronal level allow for detailed insight into local circuit function. However, most behavioral studies focus on one or two modalities and are generally limited by the available technology. Approach. Here, we show a combined approach of electrophysiology recordings, chemical sensing, and histological localization of the electrode tips within tissue. The key enabling technology is the underlying use of carbon fiber electrodes, which are small, electrically conductive, and sensitive to dopamine. The carbon fibers were functionalized by coating with Parylene C, a thin insulator with a high dielectric constant, coupled with selective re-exposure of the carbon surface using laser ablation. Main results. We demonstrate the use of this technology by implanting 16 channel arrays in the rat nucleus accumbens. Chronic electrophysiology and dopamine signals were detected 1 month post implant. Additionally, electrodes were left in the tissue, sliced in place during histology, and showed minimal tissue damage. Significance. Our results validate our new technology and methods, which will enable a more comprehensive circuit level understanding of the brain.

客观。神经元水平的多模式测量允许详细了解局部电路功能。然而，大多数行为研究都集中在一种或两种方式上，并且通常受到可用技术的限制。方法。在这里，我们展示了电生理记录、化学传感和组织内电极尖端组织学定位的组合方法。关键的使能技术是碳纤维电极的底层使用，碳纤维电极体积小、导电且对多巴胺敏感。碳纤维通过涂覆聚对二甲苯 C（一种具有高介电常数的薄绝缘体）以及使用激光烧蚀对碳表面进行选择性再曝光来实现功能化。主要结果。我们通过在大鼠伏隔核中植入 16 个通道阵列来演示该技术的使用。植入后 1 个月检测到慢性电生理学和多巴胺信号。此外，电极留在组织中，在组织学过程中切片，并显示出最小的组织损伤。意义。我们的结果验证了我们的新技术和方法，这将使我们能够更全面地了解大脑的电路级。