PEDOT-Citrate/SIKVAV modified bioaffinity microelectrode arrays for detecting theta rhythm cells in the retrosplenial cortex of rats under sensory conflict

In scenarios where visual and vestibular inputs are dissociated, humans' spatial cognitive and task performance can deteriorate. To investigate the neural basis, microelectrode arrays (MEA) with good chronic recording performance are needed. In this study, we proposed a novel approach to modify alkaline laminin onto neural electrodes and constructed an MEA using laminin (SIKVAV) modified for single-neuron tracking detecting. The modified interface has excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility and is conducive to enhancing the adhesion of neurons. Moreover, the MEAs exhibits excellent performance on signal-to-noise ratio, neuron detection amount, and neuron tracking effects in chronic recording experiment. Utilizing this tool, we record the electrophysiological activities in the rats' brains under sensory conflict. We observed an apparent response of pyramidal neurons to sensory conflict. Notably, this conflict disrupted the theta rhythmic firing of theta cells and local field potentials (LFP) theta oscillations in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), which is associated with cognition, and both required a certain amount of time for recovery. This study provides a method for chronic detection of neurons in vivo and reveals part of the mechanism of cognitive impairment of patients with sensory conflict, which may provide theoretical support for future treatment strategies.