3D-printed flexible neural probes for recordings at single-neuron level

Neural recording technologies offer valuable insights into neural activities that can help develop treatments for a wide range of conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, and other nervous systems. However, mismatches in material properties between these often-rigid electronic devices and biological neural tissues can lead to problems in biocompatibility (e.g., causing inflammation) and stability (e.g., dislocating contact). Here, we present a 3D-printable, flexible, stretchable electronic device with a porous, tissue-like structure designed for neural recording. This porous configuration bestows flexibility, stretchability, and conformability alongside chemical permeability, enabling integration with the brain and spinal cord. The 3D printability offers customization, cost efficiency, and scalability. The prototype device exhibits reduced impedance compared to conventional metal- or silicon-based devices, facilitating their precision in capturing neural activities at the cellular level in both the brain and spinal cord. The design lays a foundation for future research in brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation, and neural prosthetics.