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Faul EBA, Broussard AM, Rivera DR, Pwint MY, Wu B, Cao Q, Bailey D, Cui XT, Castagnola E. Batch Fabrication of Microelectrode Arrays with Glassy Carbon Microelectrodes and Interconnections for Neurochemical Sensing: Promises and Challenges. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:277. [PMID: 38399004 PMCID: PMC10892456 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Flexible multielectrode arrays with glassy carbon (GC) electrodes and metal interconnection (hybrid MEAs) have shown promising performance in multi-channel neurochemical sensing. A primary challenge faced by hybrid MEAs fabrication is the adhesion of the metal traces with the GC electrodes, as prolonged electrical and mechanical stimulation can lead to adhesion failure. Previous devices with GC electrodes and interconnects made of a homogeneous material (all GC) demonstrated exceptional electrochemical stability but required miniaturization for enhanced tissue integration and chronic electrochemical sensing. In this study, we used two different methods for the fabrication of all GC-MEAs on thin flexible substrates with miniaturized features. The first method, like that previously reported, involves a double pattern-transfer photolithographic process, including transfer-bonding on temporary polymeric support. The second method requires a double-etching process, which uses a 2 µm-thick low stress silicon nitride coating of the Si wafer as the bottom insulator layer for the MEAs, bypassing the pattern-transfer and demonstrating a novel technique with potential advantages. We confirmed the feasibility of the two fabrication processes by verifying the practical conductivity of 3 µm-wide 2 µm-thick GC traces, the GC microelectrode functionality, and their sensing capability for the detection of serotonin using fast scan cyclic voltammetry. Through the exchange and discussion of insights regarding the strengths and limitations of these microfabrication methods, our goal is to propel the advancement of GC-based MEAs for the next generation of neural interface devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma-Bernadette A. Faul
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA; (E.-B.A.F.); (A.M.B.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Austin M. Broussard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA; (E.-B.A.F.); (A.M.B.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Daniel R. Rivera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA; (E.-B.A.F.); (A.M.B.); (D.R.R.)
| | - May Yoon Pwint
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (M.Y.P.); (B.W.); (Q.C.); (X.T.C.)
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Bingchen Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (M.Y.P.); (B.W.); (Q.C.); (X.T.C.)
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Qun Cao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (M.Y.P.); (B.W.); (Q.C.); (X.T.C.)
| | - Davis Bailey
- Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 15213, USA;
| | - X. Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (M.Y.P.); (B.W.); (Q.C.); (X.T.C.)
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3110, USA
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA; (E.-B.A.F.); (A.M.B.); (D.R.R.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; (M.Y.P.); (B.W.); (Q.C.); (X.T.C.)
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Castagnola E, Robbins EM, Krahe DD, Wu B, Pwint MY, Cao Q, Cui XT. Stable in-vivo electrochemical sensing of tonic serotonin levels using PEDOT/CNT-coated glassy carbon flexible microelectrode arrays. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 230:115242. [PMID: 36989659 PMCID: PMC10101938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic sampling of tonic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) concentrations in the brain is critical for tracking neurological disease development and the time course of pharmacological treatments. Despite their value, in vivo chronic multi-site measurements of tonic 5-HT have not been reported. To fill this technological gap, we batch-fabricated implantable glassy carbon (GC) microelectrode arrays (MEAs) onto a flexible SU-8 substrate to provide an electrochemically stable and biocompatible device/tissue interface. To achieve detection of tonic 5-HT concentrations, we applied a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon nanotube (PEDOT/CNT) electrode coating and optimized a square wave voltammetry (SWV) waveform for selective 5-HT measurement. In vitro, the PEDOT/CNT-coated GC microelectrodes achieved high sensitivity to 5-HT, good fouling resistance, and excellent selectivity against the most common neurochemical interferents. In vivo, our PEDOT/CNT-coated GC MEAs successfully detected basal 5-HT concentrations at different locations within the CA2 region of the hippocampus of both anesthetized and awake mice. Furthermore, the PEDOT/CNT-coated MEAs were able to detect tonic 5-HT in the mouse hippocampus for one week after implantation. Histology reveals that the flexible GC MEA implants caused less tissue damage and reduced inflammatory response in the hippocampus compared to commercially available stiff silicon probes. To the best of our knowledge, this PEDOT/CNT-coated GC MEA is the first implantable, flexible sensor capable of chronic in vivo multi-site sensing of tonic 5-HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Elaine M Robbins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniela D Krahe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bingchen Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, 4400 Fifth Ave, PA 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - May Yoon Pwint
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, 4400 Fifth Ave, PA 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Qun Cao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219-3110, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, 4400 Fifth Ave, PA 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Castagnola E, Robbins EM, Krahe D, Wu B, Pwint MY, Cao Q, Cui XT. Implantable flexible multielectrode arrays for multi-site sensing of serotonin tonic levels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524488. [PMID: 36711655 PMCID: PMC9882191 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Real-time multi-channel measurements of tonic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) concentrations across different brain regions are of utmost importance to the understanding of 5-HT’s role in anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders, which will improve the diagnosis and treatment of these neuropsychiatric illnesses. Chronic sampling of 5-HT is critical in tracking disease development as well as the time course of pharmacological treatments. Despite their value, in vivo chronic multi-site measurements of 5-HT have not been reported. To fill this technological gap, we batch fabricated implantable glassy carbon (GC) microelectrode arrays (MEAs) on a flexible SU-8 substrate to provide an electrochemically stable and biocompatible device/tissue interface. Then, to achieve multi-site detection of tonic 5-HT concentrations, we incorporated the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/functionalized carbon nanotube (PEDOT/CNT) coating on the GC microelectrodes in combination with a new square wave voltammetry (SWV) approach, optimized for selective 5-HT measurement. In vitro , the PEDOT/CNT coated GC microelectrodes achieved high sensitivity towards 5-HT, good fouling resistance in the presence of 5-HT, and excellent selectivity towards the most common neurochemical interferents. In vivo , our PEDOT/CNT-coated GC MEAs were able to successfully detect basal 5-HT concentrations at different locations of the CA2 hippocampal region of mice in both anesthetized and awake head-fixed conditions. Furthermore, the implanted PEDOT/CNT-coated MEA achieved stable detection of tonic 5-HT concentrations for one week. Finally, histology data in the hippocampus shows reduced tissue damage and inflammatory responses compared to stiff silicon probes. To the best of our knowledge, this PEDOT/CNT-coated GC MEA is the first implantable flexible multisite sensor capable of chronic in vivo multi-site sensing of tonic 5-HT. This implantable MEA can be custom-designed according to specific brain region of interests and research questions, with the potential to combine electrophysiology recording and multiple analyte sensing to maximize our understanding of neurochemistry. Highlights PEDOT/CNT-coated GC microelectrodes enabled sensitive and selective tonic detection of serotonin (5-HT) using a new square wave voltammetry (SWV) approach PEDOT/CNT-coated GC MEAs achieved multi-site in vivo 5-HT tonic detection for one week. Flexible MEAs lead to reduced tissue damage and inflammation compared to stiff silicon probes.
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Zhao H, Liu R, Zhang H, Cao P, Liu Z, Li Y. Research Progress on the Flexibility of an Implantable Neural Microelectrode. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:386. [PMID: 35334680 PMCID: PMC8954487 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neural microelectrode is the important bridge of information exchange between the human body and machines. By recording and transmitting nerve signals with electrodes, people can control the external machines. At the same time, using electrodes to electrically stimulate nerve tissue, people with long-term brain diseases will be safely and reliably treated. Young's modulus of the traditional rigid electrode probe is not matched well with that of biological tissue, and tissue immune rejection is easy to generate, resulting in the electrode not being able to achieve long-term safety and reliable working. In recent years, the choice of flexible materials and design of electrode structures can achieve modulus matching between electrode and biological tissue, and tissue damage is decreased. This review discusses nerve microelectrodes based on flexible electrode materials and substrate materials. Simultaneously, different structural designs of neural microelectrodes are reviewed. However, flexible electrode probes are difficult to implant into the brain. Only with the aid of certain auxiliary devices, can the implant be safe and reliable. The implantation method of the nerve microelectrode is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Ruping Liu
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zilong Liu
- Division of Optics, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ye Li
- Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
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Devi M, Vomero M, Fuhrer E, Castagnola E, Gueli C, Nimbalkar S, Hirabayashi M, Kassegne S, Stieglitz T, Sharma S. Carbon-based neural electrodes: promises and challenges. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34404037 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac1e45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neural electrodes are primary functional elements of neuroelectronic devices designed to record neural activity based on electrochemical signals. These electrodes may also be utilized for electrically stimulating the neural cells, such that their response can be simultaneously recorded. In addition to being medically safe, the electrode material should be electrically conductive and electrochemically stable under harsh biological environments. Mechanical flexibility and conformability, resistance to crack formation and compatibility with common microfabrication techniques are equally desirable properties. Traditionally, (noble) metals have been the preferred for neural electrode applications due to their proven biosafety and a relatively high electrical conductivity. Carbon is a recent addition to this list, which is far superior in terms of its electrochemical stability and corrosion resistance. Carbon has also enabled 3D electrode fabrication as opposed to the thin-film based 2D structures. One of carbon's peculiar aspects is its availability in a wide range of allotropes with specialized properties that render it highly versatile. These variations, however, also make it difficult to understand carbon itself as a unique material, and thus, each allotrope is often regarded independently. Some carbon types have already shown promising results in bioelectronic medicine, while many others remain potential candidates. In this topical review, we first provide a broad overview of the neuroelectronic devices and the basic requirements of an electrode material. We subsequently discuss the carbon family of materials and their properties that are useful in neural applications. Examples of devices fabricated using bulk and nano carbon materials are reviewed and critically compared. We then summarize the challenges, future prospects and next-generation carbon technology that can be helpful in the field of neural sciences. The article aims at providing a common platform to neuroscientists, electrochemists, biologists, microsystems engineers and carbon scientists to enable active and comprehensive efforts directed towards carbon-based neuroelectronic device fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Devi
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh 175075, India
| | - Maria Vomero
- Bioelectronic Systems Laboratory, Columbia University, 500 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, United States of America
| | - Erwin Fuhrer
- School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh 175075 India
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Calogero Gueli
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 080, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Surabhi Nimbalkar
- NanoFAB.SDSU Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University and NSF-ERC Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, United States of America
| | - Mieko Hirabayashi
- NanoFAB.SDSU Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University and NSF-ERC Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, United States of America
| | - Sam Kassegne
- NanoFAB.SDSU Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University and NSF-ERC Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, United States of America
| | - Thomas Stieglitz
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 080, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 080, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.,Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Hansastr. 9a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Swati Sharma
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh 175075, India
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Feng C, Frewin CL, Tanjil MRE, Everly R, Bieber J, Kumar A, Wang MC, Saddow SE. A Flexible a-SiC-Based Neural Interface Utilizing Pyrolyzed-Photoresist Film (C) Active Sites. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:821. [PMID: 34357231 PMCID: PMC8304835 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Carbon containing materials, such as graphene, carbon-nanotubes (CNT), and graphene oxide, have gained prominence as possible electrodes in implantable neural interfaces due to their excellent conductive properties. While carbon is a promising electrochemical interface, many fabrication processes are difficult to perform, leading to issues with large scale device production and overall repeatability. Here we demonstrate that carbon electrodes and traces constructed from pyrolyzed-photoresist-film (PPF) when combined with amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) insulation could be fabricated with repeatable processes which use tools easily available in most semiconductor facilities. Directly forming PPF on a-SiC simplified the fabrication process which eliminates noble metal evaporation/sputtering and lift-off processes on small features. PPF electrodes in oxygenated phosphate buffered solution at pH 7.4 demonstrated excellent electrochemical charge storage capacity (CSC) of 14.16 C/cm2, an impedance of 24.8 ± 0.4 kΩ, and phase angle of -35.9 ± 0.6° at 1 kHz with a 1.9 kµm2 recording site area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyin Feng
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (M.R.-E.T.); (A.K.); (M.C.W.)
| | | | - Md Rubayat-E Tanjil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (M.R.-E.T.); (A.K.); (M.C.W.)
| | - Richard Everly
- Nanotechnology Research & Education Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (R.E.); (J.B.)
| | - Jay Bieber
- Nanotechnology Research & Education Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (R.E.); (J.B.)
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (M.R.-E.T.); (A.K.); (M.C.W.)
| | - Michael Cai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (M.R.-E.T.); (A.K.); (M.C.W.)
| | - Stephen E. Saddow
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Datta-Chaudhuri T. Closed-loop neuromodulation will increase the utility of mouse models in Bioelectronic Medicine. Bioelectron Med 2021; 7:10. [PMID: 34193309 PMCID: PMC8244222 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-021-00071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models have been of tremendous benefit to medical science for the better part of a century, yet bioelectronic medicine research using mice has been limited to mostly acute studies because of a lack of tools for chronic stimulation and sensing. A wireless neuromodulation platform small enough for implantation in mice will significantly increase the utility of mouse models in bioelectronic medicine. This perspective examines the necessary functionality of such a system and the technical challenges needed to be overcome for its development. Recent progress is examined and the outlook for the future of implantable devices for mice is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timir Datta-Chaudhuri
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA. .,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA.
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Zheng XS, Tan C, Castagnola E, Cui XT. Electrode Materials for Chronic Electrical Microstimulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100119. [PMID: 34029008 PMCID: PMC8257249 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electrical microstimulation has enabled partial restoration of vision, hearing, movement, somatosensation, as well as improving organ functions by electrically modulating neural activities. However, chronic microstimulation is faced with numerous challenges. The implantation of an electrode array into the neural tissue triggers an inflammatory response, which can be exacerbated by the delivery of electrical currents. Meanwhile, prolonged stimulation may lead to electrode material degradation., which can be accelerated by the hostile inflammatory environment. Both material degradation and adverse tissue reactions can compromise stimulation performance over time. For stable chronic electrical stimulation, an ideal microelectrode must present 1) high charge injection limit, to efficiently deliver charge without exceeding safety limits for both tissue and electrodes, 2) small size, to gain high spatial selectivity, 3) excellent biocompatibility that ensures tissue health immediately next to the device, and 4) stable in vivo electrochemical properties over the application period. In this review, the challenges in chronic microstimulation are described in detail. To aid material scientists interested in neural stimulation research, the in vitro and in vivo testing methods are introduced for assessing stimulation functionality and longevity and a detailed overview of recent advances in electrode material research and device fabrication for improving chronic microstimulation performance is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sally Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chao Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Hejazi M, Tong W, Ibbotson MR, Prawer S, Garrett DJ. Advances in Carbon-Based Microfiber Electrodes for Neural Interfacing. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:658703. [PMID: 33912007 PMCID: PMC8072048 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.658703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural interfacing devices using penetrating microelectrode arrays have emerged as an important tool in both neuroscience research and medical applications. These implantable microelectrode arrays enable communication between man-made devices and the nervous system by detecting and/or evoking neuronal activities. Recent years have seen rapid development of electrodes fabricated using flexible, ultrathin carbon-based microfibers. Compared to electrodes fabricated using rigid materials and larger cross-sections, these microfiber electrodes have been shown to reduce foreign body responses after implantation, with improved signal-to-noise ratio for neural recording and enhanced resolution for neural stimulation. Here, we review recent progress of carbon-based microfiber electrodes in terms of material composition and fabrication technology. The remaining challenges and future directions for development of these arrays will also be discussed. Overall, these microfiber electrodes are expected to improve the longevity and reliability of neural interfacing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hejazi
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Tong
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, The Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R. Ibbotson
- National Vision Research Institute, The Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Prawer
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David J. Garrett
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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