Ultraflexible PEDOT:PSS/IrO_x-Modified Electrodes: Applications in Behavioral Modulation and Neural Signal Recording...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Advancements in neural probe technology are crucial for neuroscience research and clinical applications in neurological disorders.
• Current bidirectional neural interfaces face limitations such as inflammatory responses and inadequate charge injection capacity.
• There is a need for improved neural probes capable of simultaneous high-resolution recording and precise stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate an innovative ultraflexible bidirectional neural probe for deep brain applications.
• To enhance electrode performance through novel composite materials for increased charge storage and improved electrical properties.
• To demonstrate the probe's capability for simultaneous neural recording, stimulation, and behavioral modulation in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an ultraflexible bidirectional neural probe using polyimide.
• Enhancement of electrode surfaces with a PEDOT:PSS/IrO_x composite to improve charge storage capacity and reduce impedance.
• In vivo implantation into the bilateral motor cortex of mice for simultaneous neural recording and stimulation experiments.

Main Results:

• Electrodes demonstrated a significant increase in charge storage capacity (0.14 to 24.75 mC/cm²) and a reduction in impedance (3.47 MΩ to 41.88 kΩ).
• The enhanced electrodes showed improved charge transfer efficacy and a positive shift in phase angle.
• In vivo experiments confirmed the probe's ability to modulate neural signal intensity and control directional turning behavior in mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed ultraflexible bidirectional neural probe offers superior performance for neural recording and stimulation.
• The PEDOT:PSS/IrO_x composite significantly enhances electrode functionality, overcoming limitations of current technologies.
• This technology holds promise for advanced neuroscience research and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.