# Integration of High Definition Display Technologies with Platinum Nanorod Microelectrodes for Large Scale in-vivo Recording and Stimulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $2,012,413

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
We propose to develop novel neurorecording devices using sequential thin-film transistors that are capable of
recording and stimulating brain activity with thousands of channels using only 8 wires and to demonstrate
broadband recordings with large area coverage in fully awake, chronically implanted mice performing a decision
task. Our approach leverages the low temperature processing of the high mobility indium gallium zinc oxide
(IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) on flexible substrates and uses chemically etched platinum nanorods (PtNRs),
with nearly an ideal electrochemical interface for recording and stimulation that is of low impedance,
stable/durable, and biocompatible, and which can be scaled to very tight pitches and high densities without
compromising these properties. Our efforts are staged with device, circuit, and electrochemical benchtop testing,
followed by in vivo acute and chronic recordings in rodents and compare the fidelity of the recordings across all
frequencies with side-by-side integrated passive electrodes.
In Aim 1, we will fabricate PtNR-IGZO multiplexing TFT arrays and perform comprehensive benchtop testing to
validate sensitivity and stability by accelerated aging in the wet environment and validation of recording and
stimulation in acute rat experiments. In Aim 2, we will scale the novel PtNR-sequential TFT (PtNR-SEQTFT)
arrays to record/stimulate from 5041/100 contacts using only 8 wires and validate their operation in benchtop
and acute rat experiments. In Aim 3, we will optimize the PtNR-SEQTFT for chronic implantation in mice and
utilize two layouts: (1) Type I will have the TFTs located on top of the electrode grid as a necessary “preclinical”
step toward an eventual clinical device (human recordings are beyond the current scope); (2) Type II will have
the TFTs arranged on the periphery of the array making the electrode array area optically transparent. This
device is targeted for basic neuroscience applications in awake, chronically implanted mice performing a decision
task to demonstrate the ability of this novel technology to bridge single-cell neuronal activity to large-scale circuit
phenomenon of brain waves and to cognitive performance.
This project will enable a new generation of microelectrode arrays with superior spatiotemporal resolution to
provide a panoramic view of the coordinated brain activity across multiple regions that produces function. It has
potential to address fundamental neuroscience questions that require large scale recordings and to be advanced
for future clinical applications. The technology is also extendable to depth electrodes and is compatible with
complementary multimodal brain interrogation technologies. Our project builds around a true interdisciplinary
integration of electrode interfaces and devices, circuit design, and neuroscience. We will advance and
disseminate this technology leveraging collaborative ties among the participating investigators and extensive
resourc...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10293899
- **Project number:** 1R01NS123655-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Shadi Dayeh
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $2,012,413
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10293899

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10293899, Integration of High Definition Display Technologies with Platinum Nanorod Microelectrodes for Large Scale in-vivo Recording and Stimulation (1R01NS123655-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10293899. Licensed CC0.

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