SBIR Phase I: New Elastomeric Microelectrodes for Improved Neuroprostheses

这项小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段将开发用于神经传感和刺激的新型植入式电极。神经假体传统上由诸如不锈钢的金属制成。金属植入器械的有效性可能会因暴露于腐蚀性生理环境而受损。身体组织和金属之间的材料性质不匹配也会降低这些器械的耐受性，特别是在肌肉组织周围使用的器械。塑料由于其更自然的应力传递特性、耐腐蚀性和生物相容性而在植入物中的应用越来越多。拟议的研究目标是开发一种新型的分子有序硅橡胶弹性体，提供可定制的机械性能，优异的生物相容性，生理稳定性和高导电性。导电聚合物将被并入聚硅氧烷基质中以产生有序结构，从而在保持所需弹性体性质的同时使导电性最大化。将制备导电复合材料，并测试其导电性、机械性能、生理耐久性和可植入设备的适用性。该项目的主要商业应用是神经假体设备市场。具有高导电性和改善的生物力学性能的非金属电极的成功开发将在该市场中具有巨大的潜力。其他潜在的产品领域包括防腐蚀涂料和电屏蔽材料。

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop new implantable electrodes for use in neurological sensing and stimulation. Neuroprostheses have been traditionally fabricated from metals such as stainless steel. The effectiveness of metallic implant devices can be compromised by exposure to the corrosive physiologic environment. Material property mismatches between body tissues and metals can also reduce the tolerability of these devices, especially of those used around muscle tissue. Plastics are finding increasing application in implants due to their more natural stress transfer properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The proposed research objective is to develop a novel molecularly ordered silicone elastomer that offers tailorable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, physiological stability and high electrical conductivity. Conducting polymers will be incorporated in a polysiloxane matrix to yield ordered structures for maximizing conductivity while preserving the desired elastomer properties. Conductive composites will be prepared and tested for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, physiological durability and suitability for implantable devices.The principal commercial application of this project is in the neuroprosthesis device market. Successful development of non-metallic electrodes having high electrical conductivity and improved biomechanical properties will have significant potential in this market. Other potential product areas include anticorrosion coatings and electrical shielding materials.