Healthcare Technology Letters (May 2020)
Organic electronics for neuroprosthetics
Abstract
Neuroprosthetics aims at restoring impaired or lost neurological and mental functions by exploiting technological advances in implantable and wearable devices. The performance of implantable devices, such as neural interfaces, relies upon the synergy between biology and machines. Should this synergy lack, numerous undesirable consequences might occur, such as rejection, infection, or malfunctioning. Several material properties like softness, electrochemical behaviour, biocompatibility, and biodegradability are among the features affecting the reliability of neural interfaces. In this review, the authors describe modern polymeric substrates and organic-based electrodes, offering the best combination of such characteristics. Their versatility in merging different properties derives from the accessible control over their molecular structure and blending. Compared to inorganic materials, organic materials have superior mechanical compliance with the soft tissue, and conjugated polymers also have an advantageous electrochemical transport mechanism at the interface with electrolytic solutions, involving both ionic and electronic conductivities. Hence, all-polymer neural interfaces would be convenient for a multitude of benefits, including low-cost manufacturing, increased biocompatibility, lightweight, transparency, and affinity with green electronics. This review also highlights materials strategies supporting the development of safe electronic interfaces based on organic materials and beneficial for various applications neuroprosthetics.
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