Distinct Neural Activities in Hippocampal Subregions Revealed Using a High-Performance Wireless Microsystem with PtNPs/PEDOT:PSS-Enhanced Microelectrode Arrays

TL;DR

A new wireless system captures detailed brain activity from specific hippocampal regions in real time, enabling better neuroscience research.

Contribution

A high-performance wireless microsystem with enhanced electrodes and FPGA-based processing for real-time neural recording.

Findings

The system enables 32-channel, 30 kHz real-time neural signal recording in rats.

Distinct neural activity patterns were observed in hippocampal CA1 and CA2 subregions.

The system maintains high accuracy and throughput over distances up to 30 meters.

Abstract

Wireless microsystems for neural signal recording have emerged as a solution to overcome the limitations of tethered systems, which restrict the mobility of subjects and introduce noise interference. However, existing microsystems often face data throughput, signal processing, and long-distance wireless transmission challenges. This study presents a high-performance wireless microsystem capable of 32-channel, 30 kHz real-time recording, featuring Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based signal processing to reduce transmission load. The microsystem is integrated with platinum nanoparticles/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate-enhanced microelectrode arrays for improved signal quality. A custom NeuroWireless platform was developed for seamless data reception and storage. Experimental validation in rats demonstrated the microsystem’s ability to detect spikes and local field potentials from the hippocampal CA1 and CA2 subregions. Comparative analysis of the neural signals revealed distinct activity patterns between these subregions. The wireless microsystem achieves high accuracy and throughput over distances up to 30 m, demonstrating its resilience and potential for neuroscience research. This work provides a compact, adaptable solution for multi-channel neural signal detection and offers a foundation for future applications in brain–computer interfaces.

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