Stretchable, fully polymeric electrode arrays for peripheral nerve stimulation
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Published version
Author(s)
Cuttaz, Estelle A
Chapman, Christopher AR
Syed, Omaer
Goding, Josef A
Green, Rylie A
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
There is a critical need to transition research level flexible polymer bioelectronics toward the clinic by demonstrating both reliability in fabrication and stable device performance. Conductive elastomers (CEs) are composites of conductive polymers in elastomeric matrices that provide both flexibility and enhanced electrochemical properties compared to conventional metallic electrodes. This work focuses on the development of nerve cuff devices and the assessment of the device functionality at each development stage, from CE material to fully polymeric electrode arrays. Two device types are fabricated by laser machining of a thick and thin CE sheet variant on an insulative polydimethylsiloxane substrate and lamination into tubing to produce pre‐curled cuffs. Device performance and stability following sterilization and mechanical loading are compared to a state‐of‐the‐art stretchable metallic nerve cuff. The CE cuffs are found to be electrically and mechanically stable with improved charge transfer properties compared to the commercial cuff. All devices are applied to an ex vivo whole sciatic nerve and shown to be functional, with the CE cuffs demonstrating superior charge transfer and electrochemical safety in the biological environment.
Date Issued
2021-02-05
Date Acceptance
2021-01-01
Citation
Advanced Science, 2021, 8 (8), pp.1-14
ISSN
2198-3844
Publisher
Wiley Open Access
Start Page
1
End Page
14
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Science
Volume
8
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© 2021 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000614929100001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
EP/R004498/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Materials Science
conductive elastomer
conductive polymer
electrode characterization
flexible bioelectronics
laser manufacturing
peripheral nerve cuff
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 2004033
Date Publish Online
2021-02-05