Chronic 2-photon imaging through a wearable PEDOT:PSS neurointerface

An ongoing effort in many neuroscience laboratories is to perform chronic optical imaging and multiplexed electrophysiological recordings in awake behaving mice. We have adapted the use of conformal thin parylene C in conjunction with conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS coating on the electrode sites to realize wearable microelectrode array devices with sufficient optical transparency to allow simultaneous multiphoton imaging and optogenetic manipulation. These devices replace the current cranial glass windows providing broadband measurements of the extracellular potential as well as a see-through optical access. We have developed a mechanical solution for installation, connectorization and protection of the device and circuit board aiming for lifetime of several months while worn by a mouse. Our design allows access for high numerical aperture microscope objectives and does not obstruct the mouse face and whiskers enabling meaningful behaviors.