| Abstract Scope |
Selective and targeted stimulation of neurons in close proximity to implantable electrodes is an essential prerequisite for successful application of neural interfacing devices. Additionally, the trajectory for further refinement of neural interfacing devices is in large part predicated on increased miniaturization of electrodes that enables higher spatial resolution, precision, and reliability. To achieve miniaturization, the geometric surface area of the electrodes must be reduced while the electrochemical surface area is increased. Therefore, availability of highly electroactive electrode materials or surfaces capable of improving the electrodes’ electrochemical performance is paramount as it ensures delivery of enough charge across the electrode/tissue interface for stimulation as well as low impedance at the interface for sensing and recording purposes. In this research, we introduce, for the first time, an innovative, tunable, scalable and commercially viable electrode surface treatment technology known as hierarchical surface restructuring targeted for use in next generation neural interfacing applications. |