A flexible three-dimensional electrode mesh: An enabling technology for wireless brain–computer interface prostheses
Open accessAbstract
The neural interface is a key component in wireless brain–computer prostheses. In this study, we demonstrate that a unique three-dimensional (3D) microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate, which can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques, is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness. Furthermore, we demonstrate that it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation. The microneedle electrode is fabricated using drawing lithography technology from biocompatible materials. In this approach, the profile of a 3D microneedle electrode array is determined by the design of a two-dimensional (2D) pattern on the mask, which can be used to access different functional layers in different locations of the brain. Due to the sufficient stiffness of the electrode and the excellent flexibility of the mesh substrate, the electrode can penetrate into the tissue with its bottom layer fully conformal to the curved brain surface. Then, the exposed contact at the end of the microneedle electrode can successfully acquire neural signals from the brain.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
A flexible three-dimensional SU-8 microneedle electrode array on a polyimide mesh was fabricated by drawing lithography and tested for neural recording. The device conformed to curved rat brain surfaces, penetrated tissue, and recorded spontaneous and evoked neural signals.
Key findings
- Microneedle length was controlled by the SU-8 pillar diameter defined by the 2D mask, not by baking temperature or drawing speed; measured lengths ranged from 400 μm to 2.2 mm, with design capability from 400 μm up to 3 mm.
- The flexible substrate had a bending energy of only 0.89 mJ m⁻², lower than reported adhesion energy for wet interfaces, supporting conformal attachment to curved brain. Tensile testing showed reversible linear behavior below 1.9% strain and tensile strength below 4.03 N.
- Buckling force increased with microneedle diameter up to 300 μm, then saturated and decreased for larger diameters.
- In vivo, of 16 microneedle electrodes across 5 implantations, at least 7 out of 16 sites (43%) successfully recorded neural activity; hind-paw stimulation with 2 mA increased local field potentials, with larger changes in the central array region where primary somatosensory cortex was located.
Methods
- Fabrication used an Al sacrificial layer, photosensitive polyimide base and top layers, Cr/Au traces, SU-8 pillars, drawing lithography to form sharp tips, sputtered Au, parylene-C insulation with openings only at electrode tips, and anodic metal dissolution for release.
- Mechanical characterization used an Instron Microtester 5848: tensile tests at 10 mm min⁻¹, buckling tests at 20 μm s⁻¹, microneedle diameters from 200 to 400 μm in 25-μm intervals, and ten samples per group for buckling and length-error measurements.
- In vivo testing used male Sprague-Dawley rats under ketamine/Pentothal anesthesia, craniotomy, maltose-assisted insertion, a tungsten cortical reference, and an RZ5D BioAmp Processor; spontaneous activity and evoked local field potentials after 2-mA hind-paw stimulation were recorded.
Limitations
- The paper states no dedicated limitations of its own approach; it discusses limitations of prior 3D microneedle fabrication and rigid-substrate interfaces.
- Evident from the text: in vivo validation was acute in rats, with only 5 implantations and a recording yield of at least 7/16 sites (43%); chronic implantation and long-term stability were not demonstrated, although the conclusion proposes the platform for monitoring chronic neural activity.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
0 of 22 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingreasoning
The length of the 3D microneedle electrodes can be changed from 400 μm up to 3 mm via the design of the 2D mask pattern.
“the length of these 3D microneedle electrodes also can be changed from 400 μm up to 3 mm via the design of the 2D mask pattern.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The microneedle electrodes fabricated using this approach were from 400 μm to 2.2 mm in length.
“The measurement data indicate that the microneedle electrodes fabricated using this approach were from 400 μm to 2.2 mm in length.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
A 3D microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques.
“we demonstrate that a unique three-dimensional (3D) microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate, which can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques, is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness.”
- Also stated in: § Introduction · boosted
“we demonstrate that a unique 3D microneedle electrode on a flexible substrate, which can be fabricated without complicated micromachining techniques, is conformal to tissues with minimal invasiveness”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · boosted
“This work successfully demonstrated that a 3D flexible microneedle electrode made of biocompatible materials could be fabricated using a new drawing lithography technology.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Introduction · boosted
- Findingreasoning
The profile of a 3D microneedle electrode array is determined by the design of a 2D pattern on the mask.
“In this approach, the profile of a 3D microneedle electrode array is determined by the design of a two-dimensional (2D) pattern on the mask, which can be used to access different functional layers in different locations of the brain.”
- Also stated in: § Length dependency of the microneedle electrodes · hedged
“the microneedle electrode length could be determined by the drawn cylindrical liquid column, R0, which was determined by the mask pattern for the SU-8 pillars.”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“Using 2D designed patterns on a mask, the profile of the 3D microneedle electrode array can be controlled to access different functional layers in the brain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Length dependency of the microneedle electrodes · hedged
- Findingown data
The microneedles have sufficient stiffness for successful penetration into brain tissue.
“To prove that the microneedles have sufficient stiffness for successful penetration, the buckling force was tested.”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“The polymer-based microneedle electrode is strong enough to successfully penetrate the brain tissue and communicate with the neural system with its low impedance contacts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
- Findingown data
The length of the microneedle electrode is controlled by the diameter of the SU-8 pillars.
“The length of the microneedle electrode was controlled by the diameter of the SU-8 pillars.”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“The length of the microneedle electrode can be determined by the diameter of the drawing pillars.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
- Findingreasoning
The fabricated device can be either a convex structure or a concave structure as designed in the 2D mask design.
“The fabricated device can be either a convex structure or a concave structure as designed in the 2D mask design.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
A larger change in recorded amplitude appeared in the central part of the microneedle electrode array where the primary somatosensory cortex was located.
“In addition, a larger change appeared in the central part of the microneedle electrode array where the primary somatosensory cortex was located.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Using the arrangement of SU-8 pillars of different diameters on a mask, the fabricated sample can be patterned into any profile.
“Using the arrangement of SU-8 pillars of different diameters on a mask, the fabricated sample can be patterned into any profile.”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“Using this technology, the length profile of the microneedle array can have an arbitrary profile, which cannot be realized by any other current methods.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
- Findingown data
Spontaneous neural activity in the rat's cortex was successfully recorded by the fabricated microneedle electrode.
“This proves that the spontaneous neural activity in the rat’s cortex was successfully recorded by the fabricated microneedle electrode.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Recordings from each electrode increased after a 2-mA electrical stimulation was delivered through the rats' hind paws.
“Compared with the natural neural activity (Figure 6e), recordings from each electrode increased after the stimulation was delivered through the hind paw (Figure 6f).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
The entire device is conformal to a curved surface due to the flexibility of the ultrathin polyimide mesh substrate.
“Due to the flexibility of the ultrathin polyimide mesh substrate, the entire device is conformal to a curved surface (Figure 3a).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Of the 16 microneedle electrodes in 5 implantations, at least 7 out of 16 sites (43%) successfully recorded neural activity.
“Of the 16 microneedle electrodes in 5 implantations, at least 7 out of 16 sites (43%) were successfully in recording neural activity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
The microneedle electrode array can simultaneously record neural signals from different locations in the brain.
“Compared with the neural probe, one of the advantages of the microneedle electrode array is that it can simultaneously record neural signals from different locations in the brain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Local field potentials from the rat cortex were recorded by the fabricated microneedle electrodes to monitor the change in the neural activities.
“Local field potentials from the rat cortex were recorded by the fabricated microneedle electrodes to monitor the change in the neural activities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
The polymer-based microneedle electrode has low impedance contacts.
“The polymer-based microneedle electrode is strong enough to successfully penetrate the brain tissue and communicate with the neural system with its low impedance contacts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The 3D microneedle electrode on a flexible mesh substrate is conformal to tissues.
“is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness”
- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
“is conformal to tissues with minimal invasiveness”
- Also stated in: § Fabrication process for the flexible microneedle electrodes · plain
“Due to the flexibility of the ultrathin polyimide mesh substrate, the entire device is conformal to a curved surface (Figure 3a).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
- Interpretationreasoning
The 3D microneedle electrode can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation.
“Furthermore, we demonstrate that it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation.”
- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
“furthermore, it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitations.”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“Using 2D designed patterns on a mask, the profile of the 3D microneedle electrode array can be controlled to access different functional layers in the brain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The microneedle length can be extended beyond the demonstrated 2.2 mm without limitation.
- Rests on an assumption: The fabricated microneedle electrodes can record neural signals from different functional layers of the brain.
- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
- Interpretationown data
The dynamic changes recorded by the microneedle electrode at each location may offer an approach to monitor travelling waves of local-field potential activity under external stimulations.
“These dynamic changes recorded by the microneedle electrode at each location may offer an approach to monitor travelling waves of local-field potential activity under external stimulations.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
The flexible 3D electrode mesh offers a platform to integrate with other electronics to monitor chronic neural activity.
“This flexible 3D electrode mesh offers a platform to integrate with other electronics to monitor chronic neural activity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
Fabrication of 3D microneedle electrodes by assembling 2D probe combs or etching bulk materials is expensive and time consuming.
“Because these approaches require special equipment or platforms, microneedle structures that are fabricated either by assembling 2D probe combs or etching bulk materials are expensive and time consuming.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 6 sources checked- cites [8] Bai Q, Wise KD, Anderson DJ . A high-yield microassembly structure for three-dimensional microelectrode arrays. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering 2000; 47: 281–289. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [9] Cheng M-Y, Je M, Tan KL et al. A low-profile three-dimensional neural probe array using a silicon lead transfer structure. Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 2013; 23: 95013. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [10] McAllister DV, Wang PM, Davis SP et al. Microfabricated needles for transdermal delivery of macromolecules and nanoparticles: Fabrication methods and transport studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2003; 100: 13755–13760. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [11] Gardeniers H. J. G. E., Luttge R, Berenschot EJW et al. Silicon micromachined hollow microneedles for transdermal liquid transport. Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 2003; 12: 855–862. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [12] Wang R, Huang X, Liu G et al. Fabrication and characterization of a parylene-based three-dimensional microelectrode array for use in retinal prosthesis. Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 2010; 19: 367–374. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [13] Wang R, Zhao W, Wang W et al. A flexible microneedle electrode array with solid silicon needles. Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 2012; 21: 1084–1089. source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
2D neural probes are limited to recording signals from only planar brain regions.
“However, neural tissues are normally three-dimensional (3D) structures, and 2D neural probes are limited to recording signals from only planar brain regions4,5.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [4] Moxon KA, Leiser SC, Gerhardt GA et al. Ceramic-based multisite electrode arrays for chronic single-neuron recording. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering 2004; 51: 647–656. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [5] Blanche TJ, Spacek MA, Hetke JF et al. Polytrodes: High-density silicon electrode arrays for large-scale multiunit recording. Journal of Neurophysiology 2005; 93: 2987–3000. source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
After the microneedle electrode penetrates the brain, its flexible substrate can attach to the brain surface due to the surface tension effect of the adhesive body fluid.
“Therefore, after the microneedle electrode penetrates the brain, its flexible substrate can attach to the brain surface due to the surface tension effect of the adhesive body fluid.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Excessive pressure to fasten a rigid-substrate electrode to tissue causes serious damage, including inflammation and nerve degeneration.
“This pressure has been reported to cause serious damage to the tissues, including inflammation and nerve degeneration20–22.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [20] Branner A, Stein RB, Fernandez E et al. Long-term stimulation and recording with a penetrating microelectrode array in cat sciatic nerve. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering 2004; 51: 146–157. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [21] Vince V, Thil MA, Gérard AC et al. Cuff electrode implantation around the sciatic nerve is associated with an upregulation of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta 1. Journal of Neuroimmunology 2005;. 159: 75–86. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [22] Jeon M, Cho J, Kim YK et al. Partially flexible MEMS neural probe composed of polyimide and sucrose gel for reducing brain damage during and after implantation. Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 2014; 24: 25010. source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The length of the Utah Slanted Electrode Array was restricted by the bulk silicon thickness and the etching process.
“The length of USEA was restricted by the bulk silicon thickness and the etching process, while for the varying polymer microneedle array, the longest microneedles were fixed in the central area due to the droplet profile.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [27] Branner A, Stein RB, Normann RA . Selective stimulation of cat sciatic nerve using an array of varying-length microelectrodes. Journal of Neurophysiology 2001; 85: 1585–1594. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [28] Wark HAC, Sharma R, Mathews KS et al. A new high-density (25 electrodes/mm2) penetrating microelectrode array for recording and stimulating sub-millimeter neuroanatomical structures. Journal of Neural Engineering 2013; 10: 045003. source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
For the varying polymer microneedle array, the longest microneedles were fixed in the central area due to the droplet profile.
“The length of USEA was restricted by the bulk silicon thickness and the etching process, while for the varying polymer microneedle array, the longest microneedles were fixed in the central area due to the droplet profile.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] Kwon KY, Weber A, Varying-Length WL . Polymer microneedle arrays fabricated by droplet backside exposure. Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 2014; 23: 1272–1280. source
Not checked in the free run.
- May combine two claims. 8
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 2
May combine two claims.
FindingcitationThe post-processing step induced a crosslink in the SU-8 to enhance the stiffness of the device and removed possible toxic leachants increasing its biocompatibility.
“This post-processing step not only induced a crosslink in the SU-8 to enhance the stiffness of the device but also removed the possible toxic leachants increasing its biocompatibility34.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [34] Vernekar VN, Cullen DK, Fogleman N et al. SU-8 2000 rendered cytocompatible for neuronal bioMEMS applications. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research 2009; 89: 138–151. source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe in vivo tests on rats show that the flexible microneedle electrode can be implanted successfully into a brain with a curved surface and record neural signals.
“The in vivo tests on rats show that the flexible microneedle electrode can be implanted successfully into a brain with a curved surface and record neural signals.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
FindingcitationThe total bending energy of the device's flexible substrate was 0.89 mJ m−2, which is smaller than the reported adhesion energy for wet interfaces.
“On the basis of this mathematic model, the total bending energy of the device’s flexible substrate was only 0.89 mJ m−2, which is smaller than the reported adhesion energy for wet interfaces38.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [38] Chaudhury MK, Whitesides GM . Direct measurement of interfacial interactions between semispherical lenses and flat sheets of poly (dimethylsiloxane) and their chemical derivatives. Langmuir 1991; 7: 1013–1025. source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
FindingreasoningThe buckling force of the fabricated microneedle electrode initially increased with diameter, saturated when the diameter was larger than 300 μm, and then decreased with further increase in diameter.
“Initially, when the diameter was increased, the buckling force of the fabricated microneedle electrode also increased. However, when the diameter of the microneedle electrode was larger than 300 μm, its buckling force tended to be saturated. Further increasing the diameter decreased the buckling force.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataWhen the strain was >1.9%, the neural ribbon was in an irreversibly deformed range, and the device formed a neck in its central region.
“When the strain was >1.9%, the neural ribbon was in an irreversibly deformed range, and the device formed a neck in its central region.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataWhen the strain was <1.9%, the polyimide neural ribbon was in a reversible linear range, and the corresponding tensile strength was <4.03 N.
“When the strain was <1.9%, the polyimide neural ribbon was in a reversible linear range, and the corresponding tensile strength was <4.03 N.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationSelectively recruiting different layers in the peripheral nerve results in a graded force generation in various muscle groups.
“For instance, selectively recruiting different layers in the peripheral nerve results in a graded force generation in various muscle groups23–25.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [23] Yu H, Xiong W, Zhang H et al. A parylene self-locking cuff electrode for peripheral nerve stimulation and recording. Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 2014; 23: 1025–1035. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [24] Fisher LE, Tyler DJ, Triolo RJ . Optimization of selective stimulation parameters for multi-contact electrodes. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2013;. 10: 25. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [25] Raspopovic S, Capogrosso M, Badia J et al. Experimental validation of a hybrid computational model for selective stimulation using transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrodes. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 2012; 20: 395–404. source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe deformed flexible substrate will be conformal to the curved brain and will not induce shear forces on the brain tissue via the inserted microneedles.
“The deformed flexible substrate will be conformal to the curved brain and will not induce shear forces on the brain tissue via the inserted microneedles (Figure 5c).”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
“Due to its excellent flexibility and mesh structure, the deformed substrate is conformal to the curved brain and will not induce any shear force on the brain tissue via the inserted microneedles.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe Utah Slanted Electrode Array (USEA) provides comprehensive access to multiple independent motor nerves.
“The Utah Slanted Electrode Array (USEA) was proposed to provide comprehensive access to multiple independent motor nerves27,28”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [27] Branner A, Stein RB, Normann RA . Selective stimulation of cat sciatic nerve using an array of varying-length microelectrodes. Journal of Neurophysiology 2001; 85: 1585–1594. source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [28] Wark HAC, Sharma R, Mathews KS et al. A new high-density (25 electrodes/mm2) penetrating microelectrode array for recording and stimulating sub-millimeter neuroanatomical structures. Journal of Neural Engineering 2013; 10: 045003. source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationStimulation in different layers of the cerebral cortex induces various activations of neuronal subtypes and their complex connection to subcortical regions, which leads to diverse cognition, sensory perception and motor control.
“Stimulation in different layers of the cerebral cortex induces various activations of neuronal subtypes and their complex connection to subcortical regions, which leads to diverse cognition, sensory perception and motor control26.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [26] Lebedev MA, Nicolelis MAL . Brain-machine interfaces: Past, present and future. Trends in Neurosciences 2006; 29: 536–546. source
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
The microneedle length can be extended beyond the demonstrated 2.2 mm without limitation.
“it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation”
“the length of these 3D microneedle electrodes also can be changed from 400 μm up to 3 mm via the design of the 2D mask pattern.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The fabricated microneedle electrodes can record neural signals from different functional layers of the brain.
“it can be applied to different functional layers in the nervous system without length limitation”
“Using 2D designed patterns on a mask, the profile of the 3D microneedle electrode array can be controlled to access different functional layers in the brain.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The inserted microneedles do not cause significant damage to brain tissue.
“is conformal to the tissues with minimal invasiveness”
“is conformal to tissues with minimal invasiveness”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Flexible microneedle electrodes enabled attachment to a curved surface of rat brain to provide recording capability.
“In addition, flexible microneedle electrodes enabled to attach a curved surface of rat brain to provide recording capability [Fig.3(d)].96”
From From flexible electronics technology in the era of IoT and artificial intelligence toward future implanted body sensor networks (2019) · cites this paper as [96]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Recording-site percentage does not match the count
MinorSeven of 16 sites is 43.75%, which rounds to 44%, not the reported 43%.
Reported 43 · recomputed 43.75
“at least 7 out of 16 sites (43%) were successfully in recording neural activity.”
Cites
Brain–machine interfaces: past, present and future
Lebedev, M. A., & Nicolelis, M. A. L. (2006) · Trends in Neurosciences · doi:10.1016/j.tins.2006.07.004 · Cited by 1,875 · see citing works
Dissolvable films of silk fibroin for ultrathin conformal bio-integrated electronics
Kim, D.-H., Viventi, J., Amsden, J. J., Xiao, J., Vigeland, L., Kim, Y.-S., Blanco, J. A., Panilaitis, B., Frechette, E. S., Contreras, D., et al. (2010) · Nature Materials · doi:10.1038/nmat2745 · Cited by 1,721 · see citing works
McAllister, D. V., Wang, P. M., Davis, S. P., Park, J.-H., Canatella, P. J., Allen, M. G., & Prausnitz, M. R. (2003) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.2331316100 · Cited by 859 · see citing works
Chaudhury, M. K., & Whitesides, G. M. (1991) · Langmuir · doi:10.1021/la00053a033 · Cited by 658 · see citing works
Silicon micromachined hollow microneedles for transdermal liquid transport
Gardeniers, H. J. G. E., Luttge, R., Berenschot, E. J. W., de Boer, M. J., Yeshurun, S. Y., Hefetz, M., van-t Oever, R., & van den Berg, A. (2003) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2003.820293 · Cited by 413 · see citing works
Selective Stimulation of Cat Sciatic Nerve Using an Array of Varying-Length Microelectrodes
Branner, A., Stein, R. B., & Normann, R. A. (2001) · Journal of Neurophysiology · doi:10.1152/jn.2001.85.4.1585 · Cited by 358 · see citing works
Long-term stimulation and recording with a penetrating microelectrode array in cat sciatic nerve
Branner, A., Stein, R. B., Fernandez, E., Aoyagi, Y., & Normann, R. A. (2004) · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · doi:10.1109/tbme.2003.820321 · Cited by 301 · see citing works
Polytrodes: High-Density Silicon Electrode Arrays for Large-Scale Multiunit Recording
Blanche, T. J., Spacek, M. A., Hetke, J. F., & Swindale, N. V. (2005) · Journal of Neurophysiology · doi:10.1152/jn.01023.2004 · Cited by 282 · see citing works
A high-yield microassembly structure for three-dimensional microelectrode arrays
Bai, Q., Wise, K. D., & Anderson, D. J. (2000) · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · doi:10.1109/10.827288 · Cited by 245 · see citing works
A tapered hollow metallic microneedle array using backside exposure of SU-8
Kim, K., Park, D. S.-W., Lu, H., et al. (2004) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/14/4/021 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
Drawing lithography for microneedles: A review of fundamentals and biomedical applications
Lee, K., & Jung, H. (2012) · Biomaterials · doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.06.065 · Cited by 184 · see citing works
Park, J., Yoon, Y.-K., Choi, S., Prausnitz, M. R., & Allen, M. G. (2007) · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · doi:10.1109/tbme.2006.889173 · Cited by 172 · see citing works
Ultra-thin flexible polyimide neural probe embedded in a dissolvable maltose-coated microneedle
Xiang, Z., Yen, S.-C., Xue, N., Sun, T., Tsang, W. M., Zhang, S., Liao, L., Thakor, N. V., & Lee, C. (2014) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/24/6/065015 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
Self-citationWark, H. A. C., Sharma, R., Mathews, K. S., Fernandez, E., Yoo, J., Christensen, B., Tresco, P., Rieth, L., Solzbacher, F., Normann, R. A., et al. (2013) · Journal of Neural Engineering · doi:10.1088/1741-2560/10/4/045003 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
Moga, K. A., Bickford, L. R., Geil, R. D., et al. (2013) · Advanced Materials · doi:10.1002/adma.201300526 · Cited by 136 · see citing works
Ceramic-Based Multisite Electrode Arrays for Chronic Single-Neuron Recording
Moxon, K. A., Leiser, S., Gerhardt, G. A., Barbee, K. A., & Chapin, J. K. (2004) · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · doi:10.1109/tbme.2003.821037 · Cited by 129 · see citing works
PDMS-Based Low Cost Flexible Dry Electrode for Long-Term EEG Measurement
Wang, L., Liu, J., Yang, B. T., & Yang, C. (2012) · IEEE Sensors Journal · doi:10.1109/jsen.2012.2204339 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Self-citationA flexible hydrophilic-modified graphene microprobe for neural and cardiac recording
Chen, C., Lin, C., Hsu, W.-L., Chang, Y., Yeh, S., Li, L., & Yao, D. (2013) · Nanomedicine Nanotechnology Biology and Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.nano.2012.12.004 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Recording of brain activity across spatial scales
Lewis, C., Bosman, C. A., & Fries, P. (2014) · Current Opinion in Neurobiology · doi:10.1016/j.conb.2014.12.007 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Sharp tipped plastic hollow microneedle array by microinjection moulding
Yung, K. L., Xu, Y., Kang, C., et al. (2011) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/22/1/015016 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
Raspopovic, S., Capogrosso, M., Badia, J., Navarro, X., & Micera, S. (2012) · IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering · doi:10.1109/tnsre.2012.2189021 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Wang, R., Huang, X., Liu, G., Wang, W., Dong, F., & Li, Z. (2010) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2009.2039773 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Jeon, M., Cho, J., Kim, Y. K., Jung, D., Yoon, E.-S., Shin, S., & Cho, I.-J. (2014) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/24/2/025010 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
SU‐8 2000 rendered cytocompatible for neuronal bioMEMS applications
Vernekar, V. N., Cullen, D. K., Fogleman, N., Choi, Y., García, A. J., Allen, M. G., Brewer, G. J., & LaPlaca, M. C. (2009) · Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A · doi:10.1002/jbm.a.31839 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
A Parylene Self-Locking Cuff Electrode for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Recording
Yu, H., Xiong, W., Zhang, H., Wang, W., & Li, Z. (2014) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2014.2333733 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
A Flexible Microneedle Electrode Array With Solid Silicon Needles
Wang, R., Zhao, W., Wang, W., & Li, Z. (2012) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2012.2203790 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Chen, C., Chuang, S.-C., Su, H., Hsu, W.-L., Yew, T., Chang, Y., Yeh, S., & Yao, D. (2011) · Lab on a Chip · doi:10.1039/c0lc00718h · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Optimization of selective stimulation parameters for multi-contact electrodes
Fisher, L. E., Tyler, D. J., & Triolo, R. J. (2013) · Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1186/1743-0003-10-25 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Rui, Y.-F., Liu, J., Wang, Y., & Yang, C. (2011) · Microsystem Technologies · doi:10.1007/s00542-011-1279-x · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Self-citationXiang, Z., Wang, H., Pant, A., Pastorin, G., & Lee, C. (2013) · Biomicrofluidics · doi:10.1063/1.4798471 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Self-citationByun, D., Cho, S. J., & Kim, S. (2013) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/23/12/125010 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Wang, P.-C., Paik, S., Chen, S., et al. (2013) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2013.2262587 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Xiang, Z., Wang, H., Pant, A., et al. (2013) · Biomicrofluidics · doi:10.1063/1.4843475 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Self-citationVince, V., Thil, M.-A., Gérard, A.-C., Veraart, C., Delbeke, J., & Colin, I. M. (2005) · Journal of Neuroimmunology · doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.10.010 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Dense vertical SU-8 microneedles drawn from a heated mold with precisely controlled volume
Xiang, Z., Wang, H., Murugappan, S., Yen, S., Pastorin, G., & Lee, C. (2015) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/25/2/025013 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Self-citationNovel glass microprobe arrays for neural recording
Lin, C.-W., Lee, Y., Chang, C.-W., Hsu, W.-L., Chang, Y., & Fang, W. (2009) · Biosensors and Bioelectronics · doi:10.1016/j.bios.2009.08.006 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Varying-Length Polymer Microneedle Arrays Fabricated by Droplet Backside Exposure
Kwon, K. Y., Weber, A., & Li, W. (2014) · Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · doi:10.1109/jmems.2014.2352412 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Yoon, Y., Park, J., Lee, J.-W., et al. (2011) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/21/2/025014 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
A Multitransducer Microsystem for Insect Monitoring and Control
Lemmerhirt, D. F., Staudacher, E. M., & Wise, K. D. (2006) · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · doi:10.1109/tbme.2006.877115 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
A low-profile three-dimensional neural probe array using a silicon lead transfer structure
Cheng, M.-Y., Je, M., Tan, K. L., Tan, E. L., Lim, R., Yao, L., Li, P., Park, W.-T., Phua, E. J. R., Gan, C. L., et al. (2013) · Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering · doi:10.1088/0960-1317/23/9/095013 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Lee, S., Shi, Q., & Lee, C. (2019) · APL Materials · doi:10.1063/1.5063498 · Cited by 164 · see citing works
Self-citationRecording nerve signals in canine sciatic nerves with a flexible penetrating microelectrode array
Byun, D., Cho, S.-J., Lee, B. H., Min, J., Lee, J.-H., & Kim, S. (2017) · Journal of Neural Engineering · doi:10.1088/1741-2552/aa7493 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Thukral, A., Ershad, F., Enan, N., Rao, Z., & Yu, C. (2018) · IEEE Nanotechnology Magazine · doi:10.1109/mnano.2017.2781290 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
- Authors
- Xiang, Z., Liu, J., & Lee, C.
- Affiliations
- National University of Singapore (SG)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Lee, Chengkuo
- Venue
- Microsystems & Nanoengineering
- Published
- 2016-05-23
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 16012-16012
- ISSN
- 2055-7434 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6444742
- OpenAlex
- W2401080870
- Cited by
- 100
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 5.61
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Locations
- Microsystems & Nanoengineering (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- National University of Singapore (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- National Research Foundation (R-263-000-A27-281)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design
- Keywords
- neural prostheses, biomaterials, conformal electrodes, neural signal acquisition
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
