A cultured neuron probe

Work in progress toward the creation of a "cultured neuron probe" is described. This is a silicon structure similar to that for a multielectrode probe, but with embedded neurons which are intended to grow out and integrate with the neurons of a host nervous system into which the probe has been inserted. Each probe neuron is in close proximity to an electrode which is designed for extracellular estimation and recording from the probe neuron. In this way the probe neurons may provide a highly specific long-term communication link between external electronics and the host. Initial experiments to establish the feasibility of the concept will be done in rat hippocampus.