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Development, manufacturing and application of double-sided flexible implantable microelectrodes
Wigand Poppendieck1, Adam Sossalla, Marc-Oliver Krob
1Department Medical Engineering and Neuroprosthetics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 66386, Ensheimer Strasse 48, St. Ingbert, Germany, wigand.poppendieck@ibmt.fraunhofer.de.
Biomedical Microdevices
|August 1, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed novel double-sided microelectrodes for neuroprosthetics. Both monolithic and sandwich designs demonstrated over 12 months of stable function in vestibular nerve stimulation, offering new possibilities for implantable devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Neuroprosthetic applications demand miniaturized, flexible multi-channel microelectrodes.
- Polyimide-based film electrodes are crucial for fitting anatomical constraints.
- Double-sided electrode designs enhance selectivity without increasing device size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare two manufacturing methods for double-sided polyimide microelectrodes.
- To evaluate the efficacy and long-term stability of these electrodes for vestibular system stimulation.
- To determine the optimal manufacturing approach based on electrode thickness.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of sandwich electrodes by joining two single-sided structures.
- Development of monolithic electrodes using a novel double-sided photolithography process.
- Implantation of electrodes in the semicircular canals of guinea pigs for vestibular nerve stimulation.
Main Results:
- Successful manufacturing of both sandwich and monolithic double-sided electrodes.
- Demonstrated electrical stimulation of the vestibular nerve in a guinea pig model.
- Observed long-term stability and functionality exceeding 12 months for both electrode types.
Conclusions:
- Monolithic electrodes are preferred for ultra-thin designs (<20 μm).
- Sandwich electrode technology is suitable for thicker designs (40-50 μm).
- Both methods provide viable, stable solutions for neuroprosthetic applications like vestibular stimulation.
