Developments of shafts with electrodes on both sides and integration of stimulation/recording electronics

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Wilfried Mokwa
• Subject Area: Microsystems
• Term: from 2011 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 143690810

This research proposal is a continuation of the work of IWE 1 in the project BIMEA. The first objective of the applied project is the development of double-sided penetrating shaft-electrodes. Within the BIMEA-Projekt IWE 1 developed penetrating three-dimensional microelectrode arrays to electrically stimulate nerve cells and to record neuron activities in the retina. These arrays are composed of up to four single two dimensional basis structures each having up to four single shafts that allow penetration into the retina and a two-dimensional stimulation and recording. These electrodes are only located on the upper side of a shaft. Therefor a direct stimulation or recoding between two opposite shafts is not possible. By implementing additional backside electrodes stimulation of opposite electrodes between neighbor shafts will be possible.A second objective will be the integration of the integrated CMOS-chips. In the BIMEA project within the proposal B (Grabmaier/Kokozinski) stimulation- and recording-chips were developed. These chips will be integrated in the beginning of this project onto the PCB that is carrying the basic electrode structures. After electrical testing of these systems in ringer solution they will be given to the project partners for biological experiments. Within this project partner EBS will develop a single chip solution having stimulation and recording circuitry all together. This chip will be available in a later phase of the project. Within this project this chip will be bonded directly onto a two-dimensional base structure in close vicinity to the electrodes. After electrical testing in ringer solution these systems will be handed over to the partners.In addition different versions of the three-dimensional microelectrode arrays developed within the BIMEA-project will be fabricated, tested and handed over in the beginning of this project to the partners for their biological experiments.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants