title: Enhancement of Interface Characteristics of Neural Probe Based on Graphene, ZnO Nanowires, and Conducting Polymer PEDOT.
abstract: In the growing field of brain-machine interface (BMI), the interface between electrodes and neural tissues plays an important role in the recording and stimulation of neural signals. To minimize tissue damage while retaining high sensitivity, a flexible and a smaller electrode with low impedance is required. However, it is a major challenge to reduce electrode size while retaining the conductive characteristics of the electrode. In addition, the mechanical mismatch between stiff electrodes and soft tissues creates damaging reactive tissue responses. Here, we demonstrate a neural probe structure based on graphene, ZnO nanowires, and conducting polymer that provides flexibility and low impedance performance. A hybrid Au and graphene structure was utilized to achieve both flexibility and good conductivity. Using ZnO nanowires to increase the effective surface area drastically decreased the impedance value and enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A poly[3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene] (PEDOT) coating on the neural probe improved the electrical characteristics of the electrode while providing better biocompatibility. In vivo neural signal recordings showed that our neural probe can detect clearer signals.
authors.forename: Mingyu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.forename: Jae Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Minkyung
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Kyung Hwa
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kyungsoo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Taeju
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Seung-Jun
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: So Yeun
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Cheil
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology , Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Minkyu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Je
authors.forename: Ji-Woong
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Youngu
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5014-1117
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jae Eun
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8523-1785
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Jang
mesh_terms: D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D006108:Graphite; D053770:Nanowires; D011108:Polymers; D015034:Zinc Oxide
chemical_list: D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D011108:Polymers; C121383:poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene); D006108:Graphite; D015034:Zinc Oxide
keywords: PEDOT; brain−machine interface; graphene; nanowires; neural probe