Plextrode® Floating Microelectrode Array

Features

• Lengths up to 10 mm, which is greater than the industry standard of 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, allow researchers to record from different cortical layers and sub-cortical regions
• Multiple lengths per array allow researchers to record at different depths from a single array
• Arrays available in multiple configurations of 4 to 32 channels allow the researcher to choose the best configuration for the target of interest
• Arrays can be made using any Plexon headstage-compatible Omnetics connector for use with existing headstages
• Several electrode material options for long term chronic recording and stimulation studies
• Vacuum insertion tool available for array implantation

Description
Plexon offers the Plextrode™ Floating Microelectrode Array (FMA) for long-term chronic applications. The Plextrode FMA is a unique microelectrode array, designed to improve upon the benefits offered by a standard chronic array while also accommodating numerous, user-defined specifications. This allows the Plextrode FMA to be configured to specific research requirements.

The Plextrode FMA is made with a laser-drilled ceramic substrate to accommodate the number of electrodes required. The array is tethered using a bundle of 25-micron gold wires that have been coated with a a silicone elastomer. This assembly allows the rigid connection point to be situated away from the array itself, thus permitting the array to truly float with all of the movements of the brain.

The Plextrode FMA is implanted using a vacuum insertion tool specifically designed to connect to the back of the substrate. This tool, which will work with the majority of available micromanipulators, enables the user to use a very gradual insertion process that minimizes dimpling. After the depth of interest has been reached, the dura can be secured over the electrode substrate with sutures.

Technical Specifications

• Electrode Length: up to 10 mm, within a single array
• Material: Platinum/Iridium, Pure Iridium, Activated Pure Iridium
  (Different materials may be used within a single array)
• Connector: Omnetics connector compatible with any Plexon headstage
• Tip profile: Standard, Blunt, Heat treated taper, and Fine
• Gold wire bundle length: 1.5 cm to 12 cm
• Array size
  16-channel array dimensions: 1.95 mm x 2.45 mm x 0.5 mm
  32-channel array dimensions: 1.80 mm x 4.0 mm x 0.5 mm
• Standard inter-electrode spacing: 400 µm (custom spacing available)
• Standard tip diameter: 2 µm to 3 µm (custom diameters available)

For ordering information contact Plexon Sales at
(214) 369-4957 or info@plexoninc.com

Renderings of Example Configurations