Abstract
Iridium oxide (IrOx) has attracted much attention for neural interface applications due to its ability to transfer between ionic and electronic current and to resist corrosion. The physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical and optical properties of thin films depend on the method and parameters used to deposit the films. In this report, the surface morphology, impedance and charge capacity of activated iridium oxide film (AIROF) and sputtered iridium oxide film (SIROF) were investigated in vitro and compared. The Utah Electrode Array (UEA) having similar electrode area and shape were employed in this study. The electrode coated with AIROF and SIROF were characterized by scanning electron microcopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potential transient measurements to measure charge injection capacity (CIC). SIROF and AIROF selectively deposited on electrode tip had dendrite and granular microstructure, respectively. The CIC of unbiased SIROF and AIROF was found to be 2 and 1 mC/cm2, respectively, which is comparable to other published values. The average impedance, at a frequency of 1 kHz was ~65 and ~7 kΩ for the AIROF and SIROF, respectively. Low impedance and high CIC makes SIROF highly recommended stimulation and recording material.
Highlights
Functional electrical stimulation of the nervous system is a promising technique for the restoration of a variety of physiological functions, including controllable limb movement, hearing, and perhaps in longer-term, vision [1,2]
The electrode coated with activated iridium oxide film (AIROF) and sputtered iridium oxide film (SIROF) were characterized by scanning electron microcopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potential transient measurements to measure charge injection capacity (CIC)
A major factor limiting the widespread application of functional electrical stimulation has been the lack of stimulating electrodes that can be used for long-term, precise, are multipoint stimulation of the central or peripheral nervous system
Summary
Functional electrical stimulation of the nervous system is a promising technique for the restoration of a variety of physiological functions, including controllable limb movement, hearing, and perhaps in longer-term, vision [1,2]. The artificial stimulation of living tissue requires a transfer of an electrical signal from an implantable microelectrode across the cell membrane of the neurons. A major factor limiting the widespread application of functional electrical stimulation has been the lack of stimulating electrodes that can be used for long-term, precise, are multipoint stimulation of the central or peripheral nervous system. The development of stimulating electrodes requires the ability to inject sufficient charge to evoke a response and induce minimal tissue damage at the stimulation site. Electrode materials with higher charge injection capacity (CIC) are desired to allow smaller electrodes.
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