Polymer Molecular Wires for Neuroprosthetic Electrodes

描述（由申请人提供）： 本研究旨在验证一种新的导电聚合物技术，用于改善神经刺激和记录电极的性能。这些电极是神经假体的使能技术，其提供了逆转神经创伤和退化的前景。然而，所有已知的高密度电极阵列在植入一年内失效。已知导电聚合物涂层可降低电极阻抗并改善生物相容性。在这项工作中，导电聚合物聚（3-（2-乙基己基）-噻吩）EHPT将共价键合到金属电极。现有的涂层不是共价结合的，并且容易分层。除了降低电极阻抗和改善生物相容性外，EHPT还应提供通过神经元膜的可持续电子电流通道。假设的机制是以离子通道的方式插入膜。EHPT涂层电极的性能将通过体外电生理学进行验证，并通过扫描探针显微镜探索自组装EHPT膜的纳米结构。一旦得到验证，这种聚合物将成为基础和临床神经科学的强大新工具。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This research seeks to validate a new conductive polymer technology for improving the performance of neural stimulating and recording electrodes. These electrodes are the enabling technology for neural prostheses, which offer the prospect of reversing neurological trauma and degeneration. However, all known high-density electrode arrays fail within a year of implantation. Conductive polymer coatings are known to lower electrode impedance and improve biocompatibility. In this proposed work, the conductive polymer poly(3-(2-ethylhexyl)-thiophene) EHPT will be covalently bound to metal electrodes. Existing coatings are not covalently bound and are subject to delamination. In addition to lowering electrode impedance and improving biocompatibility, EHPT should provide a sustainable electronic current channel through the neuronal membrane. The hypothesized mechanism is membrane intercalation in the manner of an ion channel. The performance of EHPT-coated electrodes will be verified through in vitro electrophysiology and the nanostructure of self-assembled EHPT films explored through scanning probe microscopy. Once validated, this polymer will be a powerful new tool for basic and clinical neuroscience.