In the past 20 years, substantial progress has been made in the detection and stimulation technology of deep brain neural information; especially, the deep brain electrode array device has emerged in neuroscience research and clinical application. Primates possess a more developed central nervous system and a higher level of intelligence than rodents. Detecting and modulating deep brain activity in primates enhances our understanding of neural mechanisms, facilitates the study of major brain diseases, enables brain–computer interactions, and supports advancements in artificial intelligence. Traditional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission computed tomography, and scalp electroencephalogram are limited in spatial resolution. They cannot accurately capture deep brain signals from individual neurons. "With the progress of microelectromechanical systems and other micromachining technologies, single-neuron level detection and stimulation technology in rodents based on microelectrodes has made important progress. However, compared with rodents, human and nonhuman primates have larger brain volume that needs deeper implantation depth, and the test object has higher safety and device preparation requirements. Therefore, high-resolution devices suitable for long-term detection in the brains of primates are urgently needed." explained study author Xinxia Cai, a professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
With the progress of technology, researchers have made a series of important breakthroughs in the detection of single-neuron discharges in the deep brain of primates, and even made noteworthy progress in the detection of neurotransmitters, providing basic means and tools for studying the neural information of primates. The development of these technologies has provided new possibilities for us to explore the function of neural circuits and the interaction of brain regions. "In this paper, we reviewed electrode array devices used for electrophysiological and electrochemical detections in primates' deep brains. The research progress of neural recording and stimulation technologies was introduced from the perspective of electrode type and device structures, and their potential value in neuroscience research and clinical disease treatments was discussed. Finally, it is speculated that future electrodes will have a lot of room for development in terms of flexibility, high resolution, deep brain, and high throughput." Said Siyu Zhang.
"Future research and technological innovation will further expand the understanding of deep brain neural activities and bring new opportunities and challenges for the further development of neuroscience. With the progress of technology, the deep brain electrode array device applied in primates will better meet the needs of scientific research and medical applications. It is expected that in the future, more innovative electrode array devices and analysis methods will be developed to promote the research of deep brain neural information to achieve greater breakthroughs." said Zhang. Totally, the improvements in electrode forms and preparation process will expand our understanding of deep brain neural activities, and bring new opportunities and challenges for the further development of neuroscience.
Authors of the paper include Siyu Zhang, Yilin Song, Shiya Lv, Luyi Jing, Mingchuan Wang, Yu Liu, Wei Xu, Peiyao Jiao, Suyi Zhang, Mixia Wang, Juntao Liu, Yirong Wu, and Xinxia Cai.
The paper, "Electrode Arrays for Detecting and Modulating Deep Brain Neural Information in Primates: A Review" was published in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems on May 2, 2025, at DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0249.
