Multifunctional Nanomesh Enables Cellular-Resolution, Elastic Neuroelectronics.

Silicone-based devices have the potential to achieve an ideal interface with nervous tissue but suffer from scalability, primarily due to the mechanical mismatch between established electronic materials and soft elastomer substrates. This study presents a novel approach using conventional electrode materials through multifunctional nanomesh to achieve reliable elastic microelectrodes directly on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone with an unprecedented cellular resolution. This engineered nanomesh features an in-plane nanoscale mesh pattern, physically embodied by a stack of three thin-film materials by design, namely Parylene-C for mechanical buffering, gold (Au) for electrical conduction, and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) for improved electrochemical interfacing. Nanomesh elastic neuroelectronics are validated using single-unit recording from the small and curvilinear epidural surface of mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) with device self-conformed and superior recording quality compared to plastic control devices requiring manual pressing is demonstrated. Electrode scaling studies from in vivo epidural recording further revealed the need for cellular resolution for high-fidelity recording of single-unit activities and compound action potentials. In addition to creating a minimally invasive device to effectively interface with DRG sensory afferents at a single-cell resolution, this study establishes nanomeshing as a practical pathway to leverage traditional electrode materials for a new class of elastic neuroelectronics.

Array-wide uniform PEDOT:PSS electroplating from potentiostatic deposition.

Electroplating of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is important in many neuroelectronic applications but is challenging to achieve uniformity on large-scale microelectrode arrays (MEA) using conventional galvanostatic methods. In this study, we address this challenge through a potentiostatic method and demonstrate highly uniform electroplating of PEDOT:PSS on MEA with more than one hundred electrodes, all at cellular sizes. The validation of this approach involves comparisons with galvanostatic deposition methods, showcasing unparalleled deposition yield and uniformity. Systematic electrochemical characterizations reveal similarities in structure and stability from potentiostatic deposited coatings. The advances developed here establish the potentiostatic method and detailed process to achieve a uniform coating of PEDOT:PSS on large-scale MEA, with broad utility in neuroelectronics.

A Soft, High-Density Neuroelectronic Array.

Techniques to study brain activities have evolved dramatically, yet tremendous challenges remain in acquiring high-throughput electrophysiological recordings minimally invasively. Here, we develop an integrated neuroelectronic array that is filamentary, high-density and flexible. Specifically, with a design of single-transistor multiplexing and current sensing, the total 256 neuroelectrodes achieve only a 2.3 × 0.3 mm2 area, unprecedentedly on a flexible substrate. A novel single-transistor multiplexing acquisition circuit further reduces noise from the electrodes, decreased the footprint of each pixel, and potentially increased the device lifetime. The filamentary neuroelectronic array also integrates with a rollable contact pad design, allowing the device to be injected through a syringe, enabling potential minimally invasive array delivery. Successful acute auditory experiments in rats validate the ability of the array to record neural signals with high tone decoding accuracy. Together, these results establish soft, high-density neuroelectronic arrays as promising devices for neuroscience research and clinical applications.

Bilayer-Nanomesh Transparent Neuroelectrodes on 10µm-Thick PDMS.

Transparent electrode arrays have emerged as promising platforms for neural interfacing by enabling simultaneous electrophysiological recording and optical measurements. Soft and thin devices also have compelling advantages due to their less mechanical mismatch with the brain tissue. Here we demonstrate a bilayer-nanomesh-based transparent microelectrode array (MEA) on ultrathin Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. We have successfully fabricated 32-channel, bilayer-nanomesh microelectrodes on PDMS with total device thickness down to only 10µm. In addition to excellent electrode performance, device reliability, and optical transparency, we have also demonstrated successful hydrophilic surface modification and great sterilization compatibility.