Neural stimulation with a carbon nanotube microelectrode array

Nano Lett. 2006 Sep;6(9):2043-8. doi: 10.1021/nl061241t.

Abstract

We present a novel prototype neural interface using vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) pillars as microelectrodes. Functionalized hydrophilic CNT microelectrodes offer a high charge injection limit (1-1.6 mC/cm2) without faradic reactions. The first repeated in vitro stimulation of hippocampal neurons with CNT electrodes is demonstrated. These results suggest that CNTs are capable of providing far safer and more efficacious solutions for neural prostheses than previous metal electrode approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electric Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Hippocampus / physiology
  • Materials Testing
  • Microelectrodes*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Nanotubes, Carbon