In vitro and in vivo evaluation of PEDOT microelectrodes for neural stimulation and recording

IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2011 Jun;19(3):307-16. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2011.2109399. Epub 2011 Jan 31.

Abstract

Cortical neural prostheses require chronically implanted small-area microelectrode arrays that simultaneously record and stimulate neural activity. It is necessary to develop new materials with low interface impedance and large charge transfer capacity for this application and we explore the use of conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) for the same. We subjected PEDOT coated electrodes to voltage cycling between -0.6 and 0.8 V, 24 h continuous biphasic stimulation at 3 mC/cm² and accelerated aging for four weeks. Characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and voltage transient measurements. We found that PEDOT coated electrodes showed a charge injection limit 15 times higher than Platinum Iridium (PtIr) electrodes and electroplated Iridium Oxide (IrOx) electrodes when using constant current stimulation at zero voltage bias. In vivo chronic testing of microelectrode arrays implanted in rat cortex revealed that PEDOT coated electrodes show higher signal-to-noise recordings and superior charge injection compared to PtIr electrodes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / chemistry*
  • Electric Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Electrodes
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Electronics
  • Female
  • Iridium / chemistry
  • Microelectrodes*
  • Neural Prostheses
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Polymers
  • poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)
  • iridium oxide
  • Iridium