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Published on: May 15, 2018
High efficient electrical stimulation of hippocampal slices with vertically aligned carbon nanofiber microbrush array
Edward D de Asis1, T D Barbara Nguyen-Vu, Prabhu U Arumugam
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA.
Biomedical Microdevices
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Polypyrrole-coated carbon nanofiber microbrushes are effective for neural stimulation, enabling tissue activation at low voltages without harmful electrolysis. This biocompatible electrode technology shows promise for advanced neuroprosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Long-term neuroprostheses require efficient tissue stimulation.
- Electrolysis of water and extracellular pH changes pose risks.
- Novel electrode materials are needed for safe and effective neural interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the stimulation efficiency of various electrode types.
- To evaluate electrodes for functional electrical stimulation in neural tissue.
- To identify electrodes that can stimulate neural pathways without adverse electrochemical effects.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of tungsten wire, platinum microelectrode arrays, as-grown vertically aligned carbon nanofiber microbrush arrays, and polypyrrole-coated VACNF MBAs.
- Assessment of field potentials in hippocampus slices.
- Evaluation of stimulation at low voltages to prevent water electrolysis.
Main Results:
- Only polypyrrole-coated VACNF MBAs effectively stimulated the CA3 to CA1 pathway at low voltages.
- All tested electrodes elicited excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs).
- Polypyrrole-coated VACNF MBAs also evoked somatic action potentials.
Conclusions:
- Polypyrrole-coated VACNF MBAs offer lower impedance and biocompatible chloride flux for neural stimulation.
- Stable vertical alignment of these electrodes allows access to specific neuronal regions.
- This technology presents an advantage for developing safer and more effective neuroprostheses.
