A novel 3D-printed multi-driven system for large-scale neurophysiological recordings in multiple brain regions

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience methods 2021-09, Vol.361, p.109286-109286, Article 109286
• Main Authors: Sheng, Tao, Xing, Danqin, Wu, Yi, Wang, Qiao, Li, Xiangyao, Lu, Wei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D printing; Electrophysiological recording; Large-scale recordings; Tetrodes
• ISSN: 0165-0270; 1872-678X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109286

Electrical probes have been widely used for recording single-unit spike activity and local field potentials (LFPs) in brain regions. However, setting up an easily-assembled large-scale recording in multiple brain regions for long-term and stable neural activity monitoring is still a hard task. We established a novel 3D-printed multi-drive system with high-density (up to 256 channels) tetrodes/grid electrodes that enables us to record cortical and subcortical brain regions in freely behaving animals. In this paper, we described the design and fabrication of this system in detail. By using this system, we obtained successful recording on both spikes and LFPs from seven distinct brain regions that are related to memory function. The low cost, large-scale electrodes with small size and flexible 3D-printed design of the system allow us to implant assembled tetrodes or grid electrodes into multiple target brain areas. The 3D-printed large-scale multi-drive platform we described here may serve as a powerful new tool for future studies of brain circuitry functions. •A novel 3D-printed multi-drive system with high-density (up to 256 channels) electrode for neurophysiology.•Grid electrodes simultaneously records LFPs and large populations of neurons in 3D space.•Using standard and open source 3D models, headplates and microdrives can be easily shared and adapted for further research.