development of a multifunctional polymer-based neural interface: integration of a micromachined optical waveguide and electrode arrays through cost-effective fabrication techniques

Intervention in the brain requires effective and efficient tools capable of both stimulating neurons and simultaneously recording their activity to understand and modulate neural functions. to minimize the invasiveness of implantation and reduce tissue damage, such tools must be designed with compactness and biocompatibility as key priorities. the miniature dimensions of these devices, combined with the demand for appropriate materials and the complexity of integrating stimulation and recording functionalities onto a single platform, pose significant challenges in the fabrication process. in this study, a neural interface based on microelectromechanical systems technology has been innovatively designed. the interface incorporates a micromachined optical stimulator in the form of a four-branch waveguide, coupled with an integrated electrode array for neural signal recording. a straightforward and cost-effective fabrication process has been developed, enabling the seamless integration of these components on a single substrate through micromachining techniques. this approach represents a significant step forward in the development of multifunctional and minimally invasive neural interfaces for advanced neuroscience applications.