title: PEDOT-CNT Composite Microelectrodes for Recording and Electrostimulation Applications: Fabrication, Morphology, and Electrical Properties.
abstract: Composites of carbon nanotubes and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, PEDOT) and layers of PEDOT are deposited onto microelectrodes by electropolymerization of ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of a suspension of carbon nanotubes and polystyrene sulfonate. Analysis by FIB and SEM demonstrates that CNT-PEDOT composites exhibit a porous morphology whereas PEDOT layers are more compact. Accordingly, capacitance and charge injection capacity of the composite material exceed those of pure PEDOT layers. In vitro cell culture experiments reveal excellent biocompatibility and adhesion of both PEDOT and PEDOT-CNT electrodes. Signals recorded from heart muscle cells demonstrate the high S/N ratio achievable with these electrodes. Long-term pulsing experiments confirm stability of charge injection capacity. In conclusion, a robust fabrication procedure for composite PEDOT-CNT electrodes is demonstrated and results show that these electrodes are well suited for stimulation and recording in cardiac and neurophysiological research.
authors.affiliation: Natural and Medical Sciences Institute Reutlingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ramona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gerwig
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fuchsberger
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schroeppel
authors.forename: Gordon Steve
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Link
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heusel
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kraushaar
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schuhmann
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stett
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stelzle