This paper devised a novel Christmas-tree structure for flexible neural probes, which features recording sites on side-branches that can be folded along the shank of the probe by temporary encapsulation before implantation. This design reduces the size of the implant and minimizes the surgical footprint. Upon implantation, the temporary encapsulation dissolves in vivo, leading to self-stretching of the branches, and an expansion of the lateral detecting range of the probe. We conducted in vitro experiment with our probe in 0.6% agar that mimics the brain tissue environment. The results demonstrate that the neural probe we have developed exhibits self-stretching ability and provides an increased lateral recording range without causing additional damage to the brain tissue. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

中文翻译：

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自拉伸圣诞树形超柔性神经探针†

本文为柔性神经探针设计了一种新颖的圣诞树结构，其特点是侧枝上有记录位点，可以在植入前通过临时封装沿着探针的柄折叠。这种设计减小了植入物的尺寸并最大限度地减少了手术占地面积。植入后，临时封装在体内溶解，导致分支的自我拉伸，并扩大探针的横向检测范围。我们用我们的探针在模拟脑组织环境的 0.6% 琼脂中进行了体外实验。结果表明，我们开发的神经探针具有自拉伸能力，并提供了更大的横向记录范围，而不会对脑组织造成额外的损伤。 © 2024 日本电气工程师协会和 Wiley periodicals LLC。