Sewing Bioprobe

Referring to the conventional sewing mechanism using a sewing needle and thread, here we propose a flexible `thread' bioprobe device, which is sewn to the biological tissue by guiding tungsten-microneedle. The thread bioprobe was fabricated by parylene-based MEMS process. The fabricated bioprobe was sewn to the mouse's muscle and platinum (Pt)-microelectrodes in the bioprobe device detected electromyography (EMG) signals. Similar to sewing the device to the muscle, the flexible bioprobe also penetrated through the mouse's brain tissue and detected light evoked neuronal activity. Compared to conventional rigid microelectrode (e.g., silicon needle), the proposed sewing bioprobe device offers i) minimization of tissue damage due to the device flexibility, ii) device (microelectrode) placement at precise position in the tissue, and iii) attachment of the device to the tissue for both acute and chronic applications.