Electroplated Nickel Multielectrode Microprobes With Flexible Parylene Cable for Neural Recording and Stimulation

We design, fabricate, and characterize nickel-based multielectrode microprobes integrated with flexible parylene cable employing low-cost nickel electroplating process, intended for multichannel recording and stimulation of neurons in the brain. Electroplated nickel microprobes, which are encapsulated with parylene for biocompatibility, are more mechanically robust than brittle silicon-based ones. The selectively integrated flexible parylene cable facilitates the connection with external circuits and reduces the packaging requirements. The mechanical and electrical characterizations have been performed. Using the microprobes, the spontaneous neural activity in rat´s hippocampus is recorded and the wing beat of tethered worker honeybees is initiated by delivering the stimulating pulse into the optic lobes.