Cytotoxicity of implantable microelectrode arrays produced by laser micromachining

Implantable high-density microelectrode arrays have been successfully fabricated using laser micromachining of conventional implant materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and platinum (Pt) foil. This study investigates the impact of modifying PDMS and Pt with high power laser beams and the possible toxicity of by-products that may remain on the implantable device. Materials were characterised both chemically and biologically through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cell growth inhibition assays and a direct contact cell proliferation assay. It was found that laser micromachining produces oxides of silicon and platinum on the PDMS and Pt respectively. While the chemical properties of materials were altered, there was negligible change in the biological response to either extracts or cell growth directly on the composite electrode array.