Experimental and theoretical characterization of implantable neural microelectrodes modified with conducting polymer nanotubes

Micro/Nano Technologies for High-Density Retinal Implant

During the past decades, there have been leaps in the development of micro/nano retinal implant technologies, which is one of the emerging applications in neural interfaces to restore vision. However, higher feedthroughs within a limited space are needed for more complex electronic systems and precise neural modulations. Active implantable medical electronics are required to have good electrical and mechanical properties, such as being small, light, and biocompatible, and with low power consumption and minimal immunological reactions during long-term implantation. For this purpose, high-density implantable packaging and flexible microelectrode arrays (fMEAs) as well as high-performance coating materials for retinal stimulation are crucial to achieve high resolution. In this review, we mainly focus on the considerations of the high-feedthrough encapsulation of implantable biomedical components to prolong working life, and fMEAs for different implant sites to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted retinal neuron cells. In addition, the functional electrode materials to achieve superior stimulation efficiency are also reviewed. The existing challenge and future research directions of micro/nano technologies for retinal implant are briefly discussed at the end of the review.

Electrical stimulation affects neural stem cell fate and function in vitro

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been applied in cell culture system to enhance neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, neuronal differentiation, migration, and integration. According to the mechanism of its function, ES can be classified into induced electrical (EFs) and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EFs guide axonal growth and induce directional cell migration, whereas EMFs promote neurogenesis and facilitates NSCs to differentiate into functional neurons. Conductive nanomaterials have been used as functional scaffolds to provide mechanical support and biophysical cues in guiding neural cell growth and differentiation and building complex neural tissue patterns. Nanomaterials may have a combined effect of topographical and electrical cues on NSC migration and differentiation. Electrical cues may promote NSC neurogenesis via specific ion channel activation, such as SCN1α and CACNA1C. To accelerate the future application of ES in preclinical research, we summarized the specific setting, such as current frequency, intensity, and stimulation duration used in various ES devices, as well as the nanomaterials involved, in this review with the possible mechanisms elucidated. This review can be used as a checklist for ES work in stem cell research to enhance the translational process of NSCs in clinical application.

Enhanced spinal cord microstimulation using conducting polymer-coated carbon microfibers

Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) may help to restore motor functions after spinal cord injury. ISMS caudal to the lesion activates motoneurons and evokes selective movements with graded force in rats and other mammals. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of conducting polymer (CP)-coated carbon microfibers (CMFs) for ISMS. 7-µm-diameter CMFs coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly[(4-styrenesulfonic acid)-co-(maleic acid)] (PEDOT:PSS-co-MA) were used to apply current-controlled biphasic electric pulses at the cervical spinal cord (C7) of anesthetized rats. Electrode performance and motoneuron activation, as readout by voltage transients, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electromyography (EMG) and foreleg kinematics, were investigated as a function of microfiber length (50 µm vs. 250 µm) and presence of polymer coating. The microfibers were very effective in activating specific spinal motoneurons, with the lowest stimulus thresholds varying between -28 µA and -46 µA in the cathodic phase. EMG and kinematic thresholds decreased when the microfiber tip approached the targeted motor nucleus (triceps brachii, t.b.) from the dorsal spinal cord surface. ISMS with polymer-coated CMFs produced higher electrical activity in the t.b. fascicles compared to bare CMFs. PEDOT:PSS-co-MA coating of 250-µm CMFs avoided the generation of unsafe overvoltages for biphasic pulses up to -80/+40 µA in vivo, although the positive effect of the conducting polymer was lost after the application of a few thousands of electric pulses. Thus, CP-coated CMFs may provide an effective and minimally invasive electrode for ISMS; however, polymer optimization is still required to improve its electrical stability and safety for long-term use. Statement of significance Intraspinal microstimulation may restore motor functions after spinal cord injury. In the present study we demonstrate that carbon microfibers (CMFs) coated with the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS-co-MA can be advantageously used for this purpose. These microfibers allow for both effective and temporarily safe electrical activation of spinal motor circuits with high spatial resolution. The presence of the polymer enhances the effectiveness of the electrical stimuli to recruit spinal motoneurons. Thus, conducting polymer-coated CMFs have potential for the development of advanced neuroprosthetic devices, although further improvements are needed regarding their electrochemical and mechanical stability.

Facile Synthesis of a 3,4-Ethylene-Dioxythiophene (EDOT) Derivative for Ease of Bio-Functionalization of the Conducting Polymer PEDOT

In the pursuit of conducting polymer based bio-functional devices, a cost-effective and high yield synthesis method for a versatile monomer is desired. We report here a new synthesis strategy for a versatile monomer 2-methylene-2,3-dihydrothieno (3,4-b) (1,4) dioxine, or 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene with a exomethylene side group (EDOT-EM). Compared to the previously reported synthesis route, the new strategy uses less steps, with faster reaction rate, and higher yield. The presence of EM group opens up endless possibility for derivatization via either hydro-alkoxy addition or thiol-ene click chemistry. EDOT-EM could be polymerized into stable and low impedance PEDOT-EM polymer using electro-polymerization method on different conducting substrates at both macro and micro scales. Facile post-functionalization of PEDOT-EM with molecules of varying size and functionality (from small molecules to DNAs and proteins) was achieved. The new synthetic route of EDOT-EM and the ease of post-functionalization of PEDOT-EM will greatly accelerate the use of conducting polymer in a broad range of organic electronics and bioelectronics applications.

Characterization of Tetrodes Coated with Au Nanoparticles (AuNPs) and PEDOT and Their Application to Thalamic Neural Signal Detection in vivo

Tetrodes, consisting of four twisted micro-wires can simultaneously record the number of neurons in the brain. To improve the quality of neuronal activity detection, the tetrode tips should be modified to increase the surface area and lower the impedance properties. In this study, tetrode tips were modified by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and dextran (Dex) doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The electrochemical properties were measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). A decrease in the impedance value from 4.3 MΩ to 13 kΩ at 1 kHz was achieved by the modified tetrodes. The cathodic charge storage capacity (CSC_C) of AuNPs-PEDOT deposited tetrodes was 4.5 mC/cm², as determined by CV measurements. The tetrodes that were electroplated with AuNPs and PEDOT exhibited an increased surface area, which reduced the tetrode impedance. In vivo recording in the ventral posterior medial (VPM) nucleus of the thalamus was performed to investigate the single-unit activity in normal rats. To evaluate the recording performance of modified tetrodes, spontaneous spike signals were recorded. The values of the L-ratio, isolation distance and signal-to-noise (SNR) confirmed that electroplating the tetrode surface with AuNPs and PEDOT improved the recording performance, and these parameters could be used to effectively quantify the spikes of each cluster.

Transparent, Flexible, Penetrating Microelectrode Arrays with Capabilities of Single-Unit Electrophysiology

Accurately mapping neuronal activity across brain networks is critical to understand behaviors, yet it is very challenging due to the need of tools with both high spatial and temporal resolutions. Here, penetrating arrays of flexible microelectrodes made of low-impedance nanomeshes are presented, which are capable of recording single-unit electrophysiological neuronal activity and at the same time, transparent, allowing to bridge electrical and optical brain mapping modalities. These 32 transparent penetrating electrodes with site area, 225 µm² , have a low impedance of ≈149 kΩ at 1 kHz, an adequate charge injection limit of ≈0.76 mC cm^-2 , and up to 100% yield. Mechanical bending tests reveal that the array is robust up to 1000 bending cycles, and its high transmittance of 67% at 550 nm makes it suitable for combining with various optical methods. A temporary stiffening using polyethylene glycol allows the penetrating nanomesh arrays to be inserted into the brain minimally invasively, with in vivo validation of recordings of spontaneous and evoked single-unit activity of neurons across layers of the mouse visual cortex. Together, these results establish a novel neurotechnology-transparent, flexible, penetrating microelectrode arrays-which possesses great potential for brain research.

The Synergistic Effects of Gold Particles and Dexamethasone on the Electrochemical and Biological Performance of PEDOT Neural Interfaces

Although neural devices have shown efficacy in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, their functionality is limited by the inflammatory state and glial scar formation associated with chronic implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate neural electrode performance following functionalization with an anti-inflammatory coating derived from a conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) matrix doped with dexamethasone (Dex) and decorated with Au particles. Pristine PEDOT, PEDOT-Dex and their gold-decorated analogues (PEDOT/Au and PEDOT-Dex/Au) were formulated by electrochemical deposition and characterized with respect to electrode electrochemical properties, surface morphology and biocompatibility towards primary neural cells. Through a process of gold deposition, it was possible to eliminate the initial burst release observed in PEDOT-Dex and maintain a stable, stepwise increase in Dex elution over 7 days. The released amounts of Dex exceeded the concentrations considered as therapeutic for both PEDOT-Dex and PEDOT-Dex/Au. The results clearly indicated that the presence of either Dex or Au particles facilitated the outgrowth of neurites. Finally, it was shown that the application of composite materials, such as PEDOT-Dex/Au, is an efficient way to improve the efficacy of neural interfaces in vitro.

Hydrogel bioelectronics

Hydrogels have emerged as a promising bioelectronic interfacing material. This review discusses the fundamentals and recent advances in hydrogel bioelectronics.

Electrically Conductive Polydopamine-Polypyrrole as High Performance Biomaterials for Cell Stimulation in Vitro and Electrical Signal Recording in Vivo

Conductive polymers (CPs) such as polypyrrole (PPY) are emerging biomaterials for use as scaffolds and bioelectrodes which interact with biological systems electrically. Still, more electrically conductive and biologically interactive CPs are required to develop high performance biomaterials and medical devices. In this study, in situ electrochemical copolymerization of polydopamine (PDA) and PPY were performed for electrode modification. Their material and biological properties were characterized using multiple techniques. The electrical properties of electrodes coated with PDA/PPY were superior to electrodes coated with PPY alone. The growth and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and PC12 neuronal cells on PDA/PPY was enhanced compared to PPY. Electrical stimulation of PC12 cells on PDA/PPY further promoted neuritogenesis. In vivo electromyography signal measurements demonstrated more sensitive signals from tibia muscles when using PDA/PPY-coated electrodes than bare or PPY-coated electrodes, revealing PDA/PPY to be a high-performance biomaterial with potential for various biomedical applications.

Structure-function study of poly(sulfobetaine 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PSBEDOT) and its derivatives

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has been widely studied in recent decades due to its high stability, biocompatibility, low redox potential, moderate band gap, and optical transparency in its conducting state. However, for its long-term in vivo applications, the biocompatibility of PEDOT still needs to be improved. To address this challenge, zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PSBEDOT) that contains EDOT backbone with sulfobetaine functional side chains was developed in our previous study. Although PSBEDOT showed great resistance to proteins, cells, and bacteria, it is still not clear how the zwitterionic sulfobetaine side chain affects the electrochemical properties of the polymer and reactivity of the monomer. To achieve better understanding of the structure-function relationships of zwitterionic conducting polymers, we synthesized two derivatives of PSBEDOT, PSBEDOT-4 and PSBEDOT-5, by introducing the alkoxyl spacer between PEDOT backbone and sulfobetaine side chain. The interfacial impedance of PSBEDOT-4 and PSBEDOT-5 was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and showed significant improvement which is about 20 times lower than PSBEDOT on both gold and indium tin oxide substrates at 1 Hz. In the protein adsorption study, PSBEDOT, PSBEDOT-4 and PSBEDOT-5 exhibited comparable resistance to the fibrinogen solution. All three polymers had low protein adsorption around 3-5% comparing to PEDOT. Additionally, the morphology of PSBEDOT, PSBEDOT-4 and PSBEDOT-5 have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy. We believe that these stable and biocompatible materials can be excellent candidates for developing long-term bioelectronic devices.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

To address the challenges associated with existing conducting polymers for bioelectronics, we developed a versatile and high performance zwitterionic conducting material platform with excellent stability, electrochemical, antifouling and controllable antimicrobial/antifouling properties. In this work, we developed two high-performance conducting polymers and systematically investigated how the structure affects their properties. Our study shows we can accurately tune the molecular structure of the monomer to improve the performance of zwitterionic conducting polymer. This zwitterionic conducting polymer platform may dramatically increase the performance and service life of bio-electrochemical devices for many long-term applications, such as implantable biosensing, tissue engineering, wound healing, robotic prostheses, biofuel cell etc., which all require high performance conducting materials with excellent antifouling property/biocompatibility at complex biointerfaces.

Attenuated Glial Reactivity on Topographically Functionalized Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene):P-Toluene Sulfonate (PEDOT:PTS) Neuroelectrodes Fabricated by Microimprint Lithography

Following implantation, neuroelectrode functionality is susceptible to deterioration via reactive host cell response and glial scar-induced encapsulation. Within the neuroengineering community, there is a consensus that the induction of selective adhesion and regulated cellular interaction at the tissue-electrode interface can significantly enhance device interfacing and functionality in vivo. In particular, topographical modification holds promise for the development of functionalized neural interfaces to mediate initial cell adhesion and the subsequent evolution of gliosis, minimizing the onset of a proinflammatory glial phenotype, to provide long-term stability. Herein, a low-temperature microimprint-lithography technique for the development of micro-topographically functionalized neuroelectrode interfaces in electrodeposited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):p-toluene sulfonate (PEDOT:PTS) is described and assessed in vitro. Platinum (Pt) microelectrodes are subjected to electrodeposition of a PEDOT:PTS microcoating, which is subsequently topographically functionalized with an ordered array of micropits, inducing a significant reduction in electrode electrical impedance and an increase in charge storage capacity. Furthermore, topographically functionalized electrodes reduce the adhesion of reactive astrocytes in vitro, evident from morphological changes in cell area, focal adhesion formation, and the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine factors. This study contributes to the understanding of gliosis in complex primary mixed cell cultures, and describes the role of micro-topographically modified neural interfaces in the development of stable microelectrode interfaces.

Fabrication and modification of implantable optrode arrays for in vivo optogenetic applications

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Recent advances in optogenetics have established a precisely timed and cell-specific methodology for understanding the functions of brain circuits and the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the fabrication of optrodes, a key functional element in optogenetics, remains a great challenge. Here, we report reliable and efficient fabrication strategies for chronically implantable optrode arrays. To improve the performance of the fabricated optrode arrays, surfaces of the recording sites were modified using optimized electrochemical processes. We have also demonstrated the feasibility of using the fabricated optrode arrays to detect seizures in multiple brain regions and inhibit ictal propagation in vivo. Furthermore, the results of the histology study imply that the electrodeposition of composite conducting polymers notably alleviated the inflammatory response and improved neuronal survival at the implant/neural-tissue interface. In summary, we provide reliable and efficient strategies for the fabrication and modification of customized optrode arrays that can fulfill the requirements of in vivo optogenetic applications.

Conducting Polymer Microcups for Organic Bioelectronics and Drug Delivery Applications

An ideal neural device enables long-term, sensitive, and selective communication with the nervous system. To accomplish this task, the material interface should mimic the biophysical and the biochemical properties of neural tissue. By contrast, microfabricated neural probes utilize hard metallic conductors, which hinder their long-term performance because these materials are not intrinsically similar to soft neural tissue. This study reports a method for the fabrication of monodisperse conducting polymer microcups. It is demonstrated that the physical surface properties of conducting polymer microcups can be precisely modulated to control electrical properties and drug-loading/release characteristics.

Stretchable Dry Electrodes with Concentric Ring Geometry for Enhancing Spatial Resolution in Electrophysiology

The multichannel concentric-ring electrodes are stencil printed on stretchable elastomers modified to improve adhesion to skin and minimize motion artifacts for electrophysiological recordings of electroencephalography, electromyography, and electrocardiography. These dry electrodes with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate interface layer are optimized to show lower noise level than that of commercial gel disc electrodes. The concentric ring geometry enables Laplacian filtering to pinpoint the bioelectric potential source with spatial resolution determined by the ring distance. This work shows a new fabrication approach to integrate and create designs that enhance spatial resolution for high-quality electrophysiology monitoring devices.

Polymer-based interconnection cables to integrate with flexible penetrating microelectrode arrays

There have been various types of interconnection methods for neural interfacing electrodes, such as silicon ribbon cables, wire bonding and polymer-based cables. In this study, interconnection cables were developed for integration with a Flexible Penetrating Microelectrode Array (FPMA) that was previously developed for neural signal recording or stimulation. Polyimide and parylene C were selected as base materials for the interconnection cables as both materials can preserve the flexibility of the FPMA better than other interconnection methods such as silicon ribbon cable or wire bonding. We conducted durability tests to determine if the interconnection cables were suitable for in-vivo implantation, by long-term soaking of the cables in phosphate buffered saline solution. We measured the changes in impedance over time, and equivalent circuit models were used to analyze the electrochemical phenomena on the surface of the cables. Lastly, we implanted the cable-integrated electrodes device onto rabbit's sciatic nerve and recorded neural signals to prove the feasibility of the developed FPMA integration system.

Polymer Composite with Carbon Nanofibers Aligned during Thermal Drawing as a Microelectrode for Chronic Neural Interfaces

Microelectrodes provide a direct pathway to investigate brain activities electrically from the external world, which has advanced our fundamental understanding of brain functions and has been utilized for rehabilitative applications as brain-machine interfaces. However, minimizing the tissue response and prolonging the functional durations of these devices remain challenging. Therefore, the development of next-generation microelectrodes as neural interfaces is actively progressing from traditional inorganic materials toward biocompatible and functional organic materials with a miniature footprint, good flexibility, and reasonable robustness. In this study, we developed a miniaturized all polymer-based neural probe with carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites as recording electrodes via the scalable thermal drawing process. We demonstrated that in situ CNF unidirectional alignment can be achieved during the thermal drawing, which contributes to a drastic improvement of electrical conductivity by 2 orders of magnitude compared to a conventional polymer electrode, while still maintaining the mechanical compliance with brain tissues. The resulting neural probe has a miniature footprint, including a recording site with a reduced size comparable to a single neuron and maintained impedance that was able to capture neural activities. Its stable functionality as a chronic implant has been demonstrated with the long-term reliable electrophysiological recording with single-spike resolution and the minimal tissue response over the extended period of implantation in wild-type mice. Technology developed here can be applied to basic chronic electrophysiological studies as well as clinical implementation for neuro-rehabilitative applications.

Multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-dexamethasone and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate-carbon nanotubes coatings on glassy carbon microelectrode arrays for controlled drug release

The authors present an electrochemically controlled, drug releasing neural interface composed of a glassy carbon (GC) microelectrode array combined with a multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coating. The system integrates the high stability of the GC electrode substrate, ideal for electrical stimulation and electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters, with the on-demand drug-releasing capabilities of PEDOT-dexamethasone compound, through a mechanically stable interlayer of PEDOT-polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)-carbon nanotubes (CNT). The authors demonstrate that such interlayer improves both the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the neural interface, when compared with a single PEDOT-dexamethasone coating. Moreover, the multilayer coating is able to withstand 10 × 10⁶ biphasic pulses and delamination test with negligible change to the impedance spectra. Cross-section scanning electron microscopy images support that the PEDOT-PSS-CNT interlayer significantly improves the adhesion between the GC substrate and PEDOT-dexamethasone coating, showing no discontinuities between the three well-interconnected layers. Furthermore, the multilayer coating has superior electrochemical properties, in terms of impedance and charge transfer capabilities as compared to a single layer of either PEDOT coating or the GC substrate alone. The authors verified the drug releasing capabilities of the PEDOT-dexamethasone layer when integrated into the multilayer interface through repeated stimulation protocols in vitro, and found a pharmacologically relevant release of dexamethasone.

Tunable nanostructured conducting polymers for neural interface applications

Advancement in the development of traditional metallic-based implantable electrodes for neural interfacing has reached a plateau in recent years in terms of their ability to provide safe, long-term, and high resolution stimulation and/or recording. The reduction of electrode size enables higher selectivity through increased electrodes per implant device; however, it also results in lower sensitivity at electrode-tissue interfaces. This limitation can be addressed through the utilization of conducting polymer (CP) coatings, which increase the effective surface area. In this work, we investigate the surface roughness of two common conducting polymers; poly(pyrrole) (PPy) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in the form of films deposited using both potentiostatic (PSTAT) and galvanostatic (GSTAT) methods. We found that the surface roughness of both CP films can be increased by over 90% through control of both deposition time and applied electrical deposition (current for GSTAT and voltage for PSTAT). The impedance of PPy-modified electrodes was found to decrease by up to 88%. This study shows that the surface roughness of CPs can be modulated to control electrical properties of neural electrodes and may improve the cellular response of neurons.

Attenuation of the in vitro neurotoxicity of 316L SS by graphene oxide surface coating

A persistent theme in biomaterials research comprises of surface engineering and modification of bare metallic substrates for improved cellular response and biocompatibility. Graphene Oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, has outstanding chemical and mechanical properties; its large surface to volume ratio, ease of surface modification and processing make GO an attractive coating material. GO-coatings have been extensively studied as biosensors. Further owing to its surface nano-architecture, GO-coated surfaces promote cell adhesion and growth, making it suitable for tissue engineering applications. The need to improve the long-term durability and therapeutic effectiveness of commercially available bare 316L stainless steel (SS) surfaces led us to adopt a polymer-free approach which is cost-effective and scalable. GO was immobilized on to 316L SS utilizing amide linkage, to generate a strongly adherent uniform coating with surface roughness. GO-coated 316L SS surfaces showed increased hydrophilicity and biocompatibility with SHSY-5Y neuronal cells, which proliferated well and showed decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression. In contrast, cells did not adhere to bare uncoated 316L SS meshes nor maintain viability when cultured in the vicinity of bare meshes. Therefore the combination of the improved surface properties and biocompatibility implies that GO-coating can be utilized to overcome pertinent limitations of bare metallic 316L SS implant surfaces, especially SS neural electrodes. Also, the procedure for making GO-based protective coatings can be applied to numerous other implants where the development of such protective films is necessary.

Enhancement of Interface Characteristics of Neural Probe Based on Graphene, ZnO Nanowires, and Conducting Polymer PEDOT

In the growing field of brain-machine interface (BMI), the interface between electrodes and neural tissues plays an important role in the recording and stimulation of neural signals. To minimize tissue damage while retaining high sensitivity, a flexible and a smaller electrode with low impedance is required. However, it is a major challenge to reduce electrode size while retaining the conductive characteristics of the electrode. In addition, the mechanical mismatch between stiff electrodes and soft tissues creates damaging reactive tissue responses. Here, we demonstrate a neural probe structure based on graphene, ZnO nanowires, and conducting polymer that provides flexibility and low impedance performance. A hybrid Au and graphene structure was utilized to achieve both flexibility and good conductivity. Using ZnO nanowires to increase the effective surface area drastically decreased the impedance value and enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A poly[3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene] (PEDOT) coating on the neural probe improved the electrical characteristics of the electrode while providing better biocompatibility. In vivo neural signal recordings showed that our neural probe can detect clearer signals.

Highly Stable Glassy Carbon Interfaces for Long-Term Neural Stimulation and Low-Noise Recording of Brain Activity

We report on the superior electrochemical properties, in-vivo performance and long term stability under electrical stimulation of a new electrode material fabricated from lithographically patterned glassy carbon. For a direct comparison with conventional metal electrodes, similar ultra-flexible, micro-electrocorticography (μ-ECoG) arrays with platinum (Pt) or glassy carbon (GC) electrodes were manufactured. The GC microelectrodes have more than 70% wider electrochemical window and 70% higher CTC (charge transfer capacity) than Pt microelectrodes of similar geometry. Moreover, we demonstrate that the GC microelectrodes can withstand at least 5 million pulses at 0.45 mC/cm² charge density with less than 7.5% impedance change, while the Pt microelectrodes delaminated after 1 million pulses. Additionally, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) was selectively electrodeposited on both sets of devices to specifically reduce their impedances for smaller diameters (<60 μm). We observed that PEDOT-PSS adhered significantly better to GC than Pt, and allowed drastic reduction of electrode size while maintaining same amount of delivered current. The electrode arrays biocompatibility was demonstrated through in-vitro cell viability experiments, while acute in vivo characterization was performed in rats and showed that GC microelectrode arrays recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) with an almost twice SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) when compared to the Pt ones.

In Vivo Neural Recording and Electrochemical Performance of Microelectrode Arrays Modified by Rough-Surfaced AuPt Alloy Nanoparticles with Nanoporosity

In order to reduce the impedance and improve in vivo neural recording performance of our developed Michigan type silicon electrodes, rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles with nanoporosity were deposited on gold microelectrode sites through electro-co-deposition of Au-Pt-Cu alloy nanoparticles, followed by chemical dealloying Cu. The AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified gold microelectrode sites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in vivo neural recording experiment. The SEM images showed that the prepared AuPt alloy nanoparticles exhibited cauliflower-like shapes and possessed very rough surfaces with many different sizes of pores. Average impedance of rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified sites was 0.23 MΩ at 1 kHz, which was only 4.7% of that of bare gold microelectrode sites (4.9 MΩ), and corresponding in vitro background noise in the range of 1 Hz to 7500 Hz decreased to 7.5 μ V rms from 34.1 μ V rms at bare gold microelectrode sites. Spontaneous spike signal recording was used to evaluate in vivo neural recording performance of modified microelectrode sites, and results showed that rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified microelectrode sites exhibited higher average spike signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 4.8 in lateral globus pallidus (GPe) due to lower background noise compared to control microelectrodes. Electro-co-deposition of Au-Pt-Cu alloy nanoparticles combined with chemical dealloying Cu was a convenient way for increasing the effective surface area of microelectrode sites, which could reduce electrode impedance and improve the quality of in vivo spike signal recording.

Polymeric Tubular Structures

Nature makes use of tubular structures for the spatial separation of matter on many different length scales, ranging from the nanometer scale (selective channels based on folded proteins) up to the centimeter scale (blood vessels). Today, polymer chemists and engineers can prepare polymeric tubular structures via a variety of different methods also covering many lengthscales, from nanometers to meters. The synthetic approaches described in this chapter vary significantly from the folding of single polymer chains via the self-assembly of DNA fragments to coordinative metal-organic nanotubes to tubes engineerd from bulk polymers using a range of porous or fibrous templates. While all examples reported in this chapter form tubular structures and thereby mimic their naturally occuring counterparts, it is mainly the engineered tubes that are more straightforward to prepare that also show some bio-inspired function.

Microsecond Response in Organic Electrochemical Transistors: Exceeding the Ionic Speed Limit

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are transistors that can have extrinsic transconductances as high as 400 S m^-1 , but they typically have response times on the order of 1 ms or longer. These response speeds are limited by ion transport. It is shown that OECTs can exceed the ionic response speed by a factor of 30 when operated in a high-speed bias regime.

Biofunctionalization of PEDOT films with laminin-derived peptides

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophenes) (PEDOT) have been extensively explored as materials for biomedical implants such as biosensors, tissue engineering scaffolds and microelectronic devices. Considerable effort has been made to incorporate biologically active molecules into the conducting polymer films in order to improve their long term performance at the soft tissue interface of devices, and the development of functionalized conducting polymers that can be modified with biomolecules would offer important options for device improvement. Here we report surface modification, via straightforward protocols, of carboxylic-acid-functional PEDOT copolymer films with the nonapeptide, CDPGYIGSR, derived from the basement membrane protein laminin. Evaluation of the modified surfaces via XPS and toluidine blue O assay confirmed the presence of the peptide on the surface and electrochemical analysis demonstrated unaltered properties of the peptide-modified films. The efficacy of the peptide, along with the impact of a spacer molecule, for cell adhesion and differentiation was tested in cell culture assays employing the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. Peptide-modified films comprising the longest poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer used in this study, a PEG with ten ethylene glycol repeats, demonstrated the best attachment and neurite outgrowth compared to films with peptides alone or those with a PEG spacer comprising three ethylene glycol units. The films with PEG10-CDPGYISGR covalently modified to the surface demonstrated 11.5% neurite expression with a mean neurite length of 90μm. This peptide immobilization technique provides an effective approach to biofunctionalize conducting polymer films.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

For enhanced diagnosis and treatment, electronic devices that interface with living tissue with minimum shortcomings are critical. Towards these ends, conducting polymers have proven to be excellent materials for electrode-tissue interface for a variety of biomedical devices ranging from deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and microfabricated cortical electrodes. To improve the electrode-tissue interface, one strategy utilized by many researchers is incorporating relevant biological molecules within or on the conducting polymer thin films to provide a surface for cell attachment and/or provide biological cues for cell growth. The present study provides a facile means for generating PEDOT films grafted with a laminin peptide with or without a spacer molecule for enhanced cell attachment and neurite extension.

Organic Bioelectronics: Bridging the Signaling Gap between Biology and Technology

The electronics surrounding us in our daily lives rely almost exclusively on electrons as the dominant charge carrier. In stark contrast, biological systems rarely use electrons but rather use ions and molecules of varying size. Due to the unique combination of both electronic and ionic/molecular conductivity in conducting and semiconducting organic polymers and small molecules, these materials have emerged in recent decades as excellent tools for translating signals between these two realms and, therefore, providing a means to effectively interface biology with conventional electronics-thus, the field of organic bioelectronics. Today, organic bioelectronics defines a generic platform with unprecedented biological recording and regulation tools and is maturing toward applications ranging from life sciences to the clinic. In this Review, we introduce the field, from its early breakthroughs to its current results and future challenges.

Flexible Inkjet-Printed Multielectrode Arrays for Neuromuscular Cartography

Flexible Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (

PEDOT

PSS) conductive-polymer multielectrode arrays (MEAs) are fabricated without etching or aggressive lift-off processes, only by additive solution processes. Inkjet printing technology has several advantages, such as a customized design and a rapid realization time, adaptability to different patients and to different applications. In particular, inkjet printing technology, as additive and "contactless" technology, can be easily inserted into various technological fabrication steps on different substrates at low cost. In vivo electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show the time stability of such MEAs. An equivalent circuit model is established for such flexible cutaneous MEAs. It is shown that the charge transfer resistance remains the same, even two months after fabrication. Surface electromyography and electrocardiography measurements show that the

PEDOT

PSS MEAs record electrophysiological activity signals that are comparable to those obtained with unitary Ag/AgCl commercial electrodes. Additionally, such MEAs offer parallel and simultaneous recordings on multiple locations at high surface density. It also proves its suitability to reconstruct an innervation zone map and opens new perspectives for a better control of amputee's myoelectric prostheses. The employment of additive technologies such as inkjet printing suggests that the integration of multifunctional sensors can improve the performances of ultraflexible brain-computer interfaces.

Topographic guidance based on microgrooved electroactive composite films for neural interface

Topographical features are essential to neural interface for better neuron attachment and growth. This paper presents a facile and feasible route to fabricate an electroactive and biocompatible micro-patterned Single-walled carbon nanotube/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composite films (SWNT/PEDOT) for interface of neural electrodes. The uniform SWNT/PEDOT composite films with nanoscale pores and microscale grooves significantly enlarged the electrode-electrolyte interface, facilitated ion transfer within the bulk film, and more importantly, provided topology cues for the proliferation and differentiation of neural cells. Electrochemical analyses indicated that the introduction of PEDOT greatly improved the stability of the SWNT/PEDOT composite film and decreased the electrode/electrolyte interfacial impedance. Further, in vitro culture of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and MTT testing showed that the grooved SWNT/PEDOT composite film was non-toxic and favorable to guide the growth and extension of neurite. Our results demonstrated that the fabricated microscale groove patterns were not only beneficial in the development of models for nervous system biology, but also in creating therapeutic approaches for nerve injuries.