Protein adsorption on materials for recording sites on implantable microelectrodes

Abstract

The initial adsorption of proteins to materials for implantable microelectrodes is an important factor in determining the longevity and stability of the implant. Implantable microelectrodes have the potential to become part of neural prosthesis to restore lost nerve function after nerve damage. The aim of this study was to identify an optimum material for electrode recording sites on implantable microelectrodes. Common materials for electrode sites are gold, platinum, iridium, and indium tin oxide; these, along with a reference material (titanium) were investigated. Once an implant is in the body, protein adsorption takes place almost instantly before the cells reach the surface of an implant. In this project, the adsorption of proteins to materials for electrode sites has been investigated using atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry.The protein layers adsorbed to Au after 7 and 28 days were the smoothest and the thinnest compared to all the other substrate materials. Among all the materials studied, Au is the best conductor, the most readily available and has good adhesion strength. Au is the material of choice for electrode recording sites on implantable microelectrodes. This work has demonstrated the suitability of different materials for electrode sites on implantable microelectrodes.

Potentiometric responses of ion-selective microelectrode with bovine serum albumin adsorption

“…There were small differences in the amount of BSA adsorption between the six electrodes ( Figure 2), in agreement with previous studies (Selvakumaran et al 2008).…”

The Electrochemical Behavior of Titanium Improved by Nanotubular Oxide Formed by Anodization for Biomaterial Applications: A Review

“…in pacemakers, neurological implants, and metabolic sensors [9][10][11] ( fig.1). The biological, mechanical and physical properties of titanium and its alloys play significant roles in the longetivity of the prostheses and implants 13 .…”

Implantable Biomedical Devices

“…MEAs are usually insulated by a passivation layer, leaving the electrode sites and bonding pads exposed to the target tissue and remaining electronics, respectively [63]. Silicon microelectrodes show good biocompatibility and have the advantage of being compatible with CMOS-based on-chip signal conditioning circuitry [64].…”