Graphene based flexible electrodes for brain stimulation and recording

Abstract

Neural interfaces that have the ability to record or stimulate electrical activity in the brain are used in many areas such as deep brain stimulation, cochlear implants, eye prostheses, robotic limbs and electrical stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Current neural interfaces are made of materials such as stainless steel, platinum and crystalline silicon whose interaction with the brain tissue induces inflammation. Consequently, the devices encounter a high impedance, poor long-term stimulation and recording properties and delamination of coating materials. To help solve this problem, this study presents the fabrication of flexible reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membrane electrodes with morphologic and electrical properties capable of recording and stimulating neural activity, and support growth, development and communication between neurons.